Diuretics

Diuretics are a group of drugs that are used in a wide variety of medical conditions. They all act in the kidney by increasing the frequency of urination, by elevating the amount of water that is excreted from the body. They are split into a number of distinct classes which all work in a different way.

Loop diuretics such as Furosemide work by preventing your body from re-absorbing sodium (part of salt) from your urine. This helps to prevent water from re-entering your body, which helps to increase the amount you excrete.

The second type known as thiazides do much the same job as loop diuretics, however they act at a different part of the kidney to produce the desired effect.

The third type are called osmotic diuretics, which help to increase the amount of water in your urine, preventing it from building up in your body.

With specific regards to diabetes, diuretics are used frequently to help prevent some of the other nasty conditions that can occur alongside the disease. Examples include high blood pressure, heart attack and fluid build up in the limbs. These problems can all be overcome with good blood sugar control and the right medication. Diuretics are therefore used to help remove any excess water from your body, this helps not only to lower your blood pressure, but can also help to prevent heart attacks and stroke incidence.

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