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Botox Precautions for Diabetes

Although recommended for a wide variety of conditions, the drugs Botox, Myobloc and Dysport all contain warnings of severe side effects. While few people have suffered severe complications, a few Botox precautions can help diabetic patients using Botox injections become aware of the drug facts and avoid complications exacerbated by diabetes. Diabetic patients may choose to use Botox for alleviating diabetes-related pain or for cosmetic purposes, but should make any decision regarding Botox in consultation with their doctors, as the possible side effects of Botox are the same regardless of the application.

  1. Paralytic Properties

    • Use Botox injections only as prescribed by your doctor, as the possible side effects of Botox for diabetics may result in unnecessary risks and danger. Botox contains a paralytic compound that actually paralyzes small areas of muscle tissue and nerves, and although Botox injections have been found in some cases to relieve foot pain among diabetic patients, numbing the affected area can also increase the risk that the patient's foot may become injured and infected. In the patients who have suffered the most severe Botox complications, the paralytic compound found in Botox spread to other areas of the body, resulting in difficulty breathing or other adverse effects. Diabetic patients receiving Botox injections on the feet or elsewhere should wear well-fitting, supportive shoes that protect the entire foot both indoors and outdoors as a precaution against injury and infection of the feet.

    Muscle Weakness

    • Botox precautions should also cover the risk of diabetic patients experiencing muscle weakness, another possible side effect of Botox for diabetics. Feelings of weakness or headaches that result from Botox injections may be exacerbated by high or low blood sugar, so diabetic patients receiving Botox injections should closely monitor their blood glucose levels before and after treatment with Botox. Diabetic patients who experience muscle weakness as a result of Botox and diabetes should inform their doctor of the side effects and rest, avoiding any strenuous activity that may result in injury.

    Loss of Bladder Control

    • Another of the Botox complications that diabetic patients should take precautions against is loss of bladder control. If the paralytic compound in Botox spreads to the muscles controlling the bladder, patients may find themselves unable to control bladder functions. For diabetic patients, loss of bladder control may also lead to other infections or illnesses. Botox precautions against loss of bladder control include increasing intake of diuretics, frequent trips to the bathroom and the use of protective undergarments to absorb and contain fluids away from the body.

    Pneumonia

    • Botox precautions to address the possibility of developing pneumonia include maintaining a high level of overall health, boosting the immune system and obtaining a pneumonia vaccination. Pneumonia vaccinations are recommended for most people with diabetes regardless of their concerns about Botox complications, and only one pneumonia vaccine is needed throughout an individual's lifetime. Regular sleep, increased fluid intake and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help prevent the development of pneumonia as a result of Botox use for diabetics.

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