How do betablockers, esp. timolol maleate 5% eye drops, really affect a diabetic?
As a betablocker, timolol maleate ½% is an effective and low-cost treatment for glaucoma. However, for patients with diabetes, betablockers do have the potential of masking the warning signs of low blood sugar. The most commonly prescribed drops for glaucoma now are the prostaglandin analogs (such as Lumigan, Xalatan, or Travatan), which, in most cases, are the same or more effective in the control of glaucoma. As there are no generics available, they are more costly, but for a person with diabetes, I would usually prefer them over betablockers in starting glaucoma management.
