<p>A number of medicinal products are known to interact with the glucose metabolism. Physicians must therefore take possible interactions into account and should always ask their patients about any medicinal products they take.<br />
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The following substances may reduce insulin requirement: Oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), non-selective beta-blocking agents, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, salicylates and alcohol.<br />
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The following substances may increase insulin requirement: Thiazides, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones and beta-sympathomimetics, growth hormone and danazol. Beta-blocking agents may mask the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and delay recovery from hypoglycaemia. Octreotide/lanreotide may both decrease and increase insulin requirement. Alcohol may intensify and prolong the hypoglycaemic effect of insulin.</p>