The impact of diuretics on potassium and glucose

Through these actions on K+ balance, thiazide diuretics modify multiple endocrine systems. Potassium depletion likely contributes directly to disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, prostaglandin metabolism, and parathyroid hormone function. Besides these direct adverse effects on endocrine function, these disturbances likely contribute directly to the emergence of additional cardiovascular signs in subjects receiving long-term diuretic therapy.