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Can An Intravenous Iron Treatment Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

Posted on Wed, 13 Aug 2014

Question: I am diabetic and received an intravenous iron treatment 1 week ago can this affect my blood sugar levels

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
To the best of my knowledge, there is no published medical literature that has categorically shown an adverse impact of intravenous iron treatment on blood glucose levels.
So one does not expect worsening of diabetes after such iron infusions. However, it is always recommended to regularly monitor blood glucose levels with a meter to watch out for any potential changes in diabetes control during such times

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (22 minutes later)

blood sugars have been going low last couple of days and I usually run a little high sometimes

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
I see.

Are you on any medication for diabetes? May I know the exact glucose readings that you have been having lately?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

I am on metformin 2pills twice a day and 75units of levemir at night, I have been 5.2 and 4.6 have been my lows but I usually am never lower than 7.2 or higher of course when I feel low and test I take something to get my sugar back up.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Second follow up

Detailed Answer:
I have noted your reply.

Speak with your endocrinologist about how to adjust your medication doses in response to changes in blood glucose levels. This is very important to learn and failing to do so can have potentially fatal consequences.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar