Aims: To review the medications that influence glucose metabolism with a focus on hypertensive, transplant and HIV-infected patient populations. Methods: Literature obtained from a MEDLINE search from 1970 to present, including studies published in the English language. The search strategy linked drugs, hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus, HIV, transplantation, hypertension and psychiatric patients. Results: Many common therapeutic agents influence glucose metabolism. Multiple mechanisms of action on glucose metabolism exist through pancreatic, hepatic and peripheral effects. The prevalence of hyperglycaemia was higher with the use of thiazide diuretic, β-blocker, calcineurin, protease inhibitors and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Conclusions: Patients treated with those drugs appear to be at increased risk for developing diabetes. It is prudent to monitor plasma glucose values when it is not possible to avoid prescription of medication with known effects on carbohydrate metabolism.
