Finoptin effect on electrolyte metabolism of diabetics with essential hypertension

Abstract

It is universally acknowledged that some hypotensive agents may have a negative impact on electrolyte metabolism. This study was aimed at investigating the baseline status of electrolyte metabolism in patients with types I and II diabetes and concomitant essential hypertension and at following up the changes in this parameter over the course of verapamil (finoptin) therapy. Fifty-six patients were followed up. Levels of potassium and sodium in the plasma and red cells, total and ionized calcium in the plasma were measured before therapy and after 0.5, 1.5, and 6 months of finoptin therapy. Higher levels of plasma potassium and red cell sodium were revealed in patients with type I diabetes in comparison with those with type II condition. In patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes potassium concentrations in red cells and ionized calcium in the plasma were higher. Finoptin therapy promoted a decrease of sodium concentration in the red cells in diabetics with both types I and II condition and a reduction of the level of ionized calcium in the plasma of patients with type II diabetes. Changes in the electrolyte metabolism were transitory and do not require special laboratory monitoring.