Acetaminophen is a widely used over-the-counter medication found in many households. People commonly use it for relieving pain and reducing fever. As individuals become more aware of how different substances can impact their health, questions often arise about the effects of common medications on various bodily functions, including blood sugar levels.
How Acetaminophen Works
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol in many regions, functions primarily as an analgesic, meaning it relieves pain, and an antipyretic, which means it reduces fever. It is believed to act mainly within the central nervous system. One leading theory suggests it inhibits certain enzymes, called cyclooxygenases (COX), particularly a variant found in the brain, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that contribute to pain and fever. By influencing these pathways, acetaminophen helps to decrease the sensation of pain and lower an elevated body temperature.
Does Acetaminophen Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Acetaminophen does not directly or significantly raise blood sugar levels. The body processes this medication in a way that does not involve direct interaction with glucose production or insulin sensitivity.
The medication is metabolized in the liver and then excreted from the body. This metabolic process does not directly influence the release of glucose from the liver or affect how insulin works in the body’s cells. Therefore, taking acetaminophen at recommended doses does not physiologically increase blood glucose.
Understanding Glucose Monitoring Interference
While acetaminophen does not physiologically increase blood sugar, it can interfere with certain types of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, leading to falsely elevated readings. This interference occurs because many CGM sensors use an electrochemical method to measure glucose in the interstitial fluid. These sensors often contain enzymes, such as glucose oxidase, that react with glucose to produce an electrical signal.
Acetaminophen, or its metabolites, can undergo a similar electrochemical reaction at the sensor’s electrode, generating a signal that the CGM interprets as glucose. Older CGM models, like the Dexcom G4 and G5, were particularly susceptible to this interference, though newer generations, such as the Dexcom G6 and G7, have reduced sensitivity at standard doses.
Important Considerations for Individuals with Diabetes
Individuals managing diabetes should be aware of acetaminophen’s potential to interfere with CGM readings. It is important to remember that this interference affects the device’s measurement, not the body’s actual blood sugar. If a CGM reading seems unexpectedly high after taking acetaminophen, it is advisable to confirm the glucose level using a traditional finger-stick blood glucose meter, which is not affected.
Always inform healthcare providers about all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs. This allows them to provide tailored advice and help interpret glucose readings accurately, especially when using a CGM. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine if alternative pain relief options are more suitable or if specific monitoring adjustments are needed.