subject: Some Birth Control Pills Could Spell Danger If You Have Diabetes [print this page] There are a number of oral contraceptives that can put you at substantially greater risk of developing side effects that could adversely affect your health. This is particularly true if you suffer from a condition such as diabetes, which can damage your kidneys.
The birth control pills in question contain a unique progestin ingredient that is called drospirenone. Drospirenone can elevate potassium levels in your blood. If your potassium level is elevated it can lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia.
Potassium helps to regulate muscle activity, which includes the regulation of your cardiac (heart) muscle. It is a key element involved with muscle contraction. It also is needed for many enzymes to function properly.
Found mostly in skeletal bones and muscles, potassium interacts with sodium to facilitate the normal flow between the cells of the body and body fluids (homeostasis).
Your kidneys regulate the concentration of potassium in your body. When they function normally the amount of potassium in your diet is usually all that your body needs. And if there is any excess it is excreted.
However, if hyperkalemia were to occur, then an imbalance would result due to a dysfunction of these normal processes.
Most people have ninety-eight percent of their potassium within the cells of various tissues. Only two percent circulates in their blood. However, should hyperkalemia occur, your cells could release potassium into your bloodstream.
When your kidneys are functioning normally they remove any excess potassium from your body. If your kidneys have been damaged by conditions such as diabetes, the excess potassium could stay in your body. Then it can be the cause of some very serious medical conditions. Heart attacks, heart arrhythmias, strokes and blood clots could result.
Because of all of the risks that are associated with elevated levels of potassium in your body you should discuss your choice of birth control pills with your doctor.
This is especially important if you are genetically predisposed to conditions such as diabetes that could damage your kidneys. If there is any doubt in your mind then you should consider having a serum potassium test done as a precautionary measure before beginning any regimen of oral contraceptives.
Hyperkalemia is also known as hyperpotassemia and high potassium.
If you, or someone close to you, have been taking birth control pills that contain drospirenone and if you have suffered any negative side effects then you may want to consider talking to an attorney who specializes in litigation involving birth control pills.
