Diabetes and Hepatitis C Combination Therapy

People with diabetes are already at risk of developing problems in the blood vessels of the eyes. Combination therapy for hepatitis C can increase this risk and may also make it difficult to control your glucose levels. So, good communication and monitoring by your healthcare provider is critical.

If you have
 diabetes, there are a few things you need to be aware of when discussing the treatment for hepatitis C.
 
Because you have diabetes, you are already at risk of having problems in the small blood vessels of the eyes. The medication used in combination therapy can also increase the chances of developing serious eye damage. Thus, your healthcare provider may need to change your treatment plan, or may not recommend treatment at all.
 
If you do start on combination therapy, you will need to have an eye exam before and during treatment to make sure that everything is working properly.
 
Combination therapy may also make it more difficult for you to control your glucose levels. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about different ways to deal with this.
 
Because every person's situation is different, be sure to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and then decide together what is best for your health.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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