Prednisone and high sugars

[Wee_lou]

I am on prednisone and my sugars r very elevated for two yrs now I also have coronary artery disease and have had 10 non stemi heart attacks my ac1c is 7 my sugars r usually 13- 18 all day long. Yet my dr says I am ok. It’s the pred that drives my sugar but I am not a diabetic. Could they be wrong and I should be on meds.

[TheAwfulToad]

What are you taking the prednisone for precisely? It is an incredibly powerful drug that you shouldn't be "on" for any length of time unless the alternative is immediate death.

You sound like a prime candidate for dietary intervention. Find a doctor who can advise you on trying a low-carb high-fat diet. I know I'm probably coming across as a one-track record here, but the cluster of symptoms you describe has a very high probability of complete resolution on LCHF.

Just to be clear: I'm not telling you to stop the prednisone here. There are very specific protocols for stopping it (depending on the original reason for it). I'm just saying that it may not be necessary and that a competent doctor can advise you on an alternative intervention.

[Wee_lou in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I have a very rare autoimmune disease called takayasu arterities a inflammation of the middle and large blood vessels hence the numerous heart attack prednisone has been the drug from hell but it has also kept me here. I am concerned with the side effects and trying to wheaning off very gradually. But my blood sugars r concerning.

[TheAwfulToad in reply to Wee_lou]

wow .. what an awful situation to be in. Stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I would still encourage you to seek out a doctor experienced with LCHF. I'm not touting LCHF as a miracle cure, but it has been shown to be very effective in managing both cardiovascular disease and poor insulin control in general, and often also in cases which involve idiopathic inflammation or autoimmune diseases.

You do need to find a sympathetic and knowledgeable doctor - it's not something you can do by yourself given your complications. Go private if you have to. Good luck!

[Wee_lou]

Thank you

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Given that your inflammation is heart related, I would be very careful in ceasing any treatment or making dietary changes that might have a negative effect on your cardiac health.