Hi, don't post very often but just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and wondered if there was link to preds?
Male 70 yr been on preds 6mg for 18 mth for PMR (started at 15 and reducing) also have AF on bisoprolol, digoxin, omeprazole. Not overweight ( at least not much)!
Any thoughts??
I was diagnosed with steroid induced pre- diabetes three months ago. I started prednisone in April on a high dose and have now reduced to 10 mgs a day, for GCA/PMR. Since starting on Metformin my blood sugar is stable, I only check once a week, over a day to ensure this. I don't know if I get to stop taking Metformin when I eventually ( fingers crossed) stop take by pred.
Yes, unfortunately taking Prednisolone does carry a risk of steroid-induced diabetes. It does seem that some people can be more pre-disposed than others, possibly via genetic background, and I'm sorry to hear that you seem to be one of those. Because of this known risk, we always advise people on steroids to reduce their intake of refined carbs, many of which turn to sugar in our bodies, and your GP has possibly now either referred you to a dietitian or advised you on diet.
Not "many" - ALL carbs turn to glucose sooner or later! Doesn't matter if they are made of white flour or wholemeal - carbohydrate is carbohydrate. The difference is how FAST they turn to glucose. Processed carbs turn to glucose quickly and cause a spike as the blood glucose level goes up and (hopefully) back down. Wholegrains do it all in a rather more leisurely manner so it rises slowly and tails off slowly. But if it is too high for too long - the HbA1c increases - it is a measure of how high it was over the last 3 months.
Sorry - just being picky!!!! 
No apologies needed - "pick" away, PMRpro, of course, it's important to get the wording right!
You know how averse I am to some of the DM's articles - but there's a good one today:
Taking pred does put you at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes because pred changes the way your body processes carbohydrates and leads to a higher blood sugar level. It is listed amongst the 82 side effects of pred and it should have been brought to your notice with a warning to watch your diet. Cutting carbohydrate intake does make a considerable difference. It doesn't always happen - I've been on pred for well over 5 years and have never had a problem (though in fairness, I don't eat a lot of carbohydrate anyway) but I know a majority of people with PMR/GCA who don't either.
How were you diagnosed? Is it just based on a fasting blood glucose level or is you Hba1c also significantly raised?
On the fasting test. I knew something was up as I had a tremendous thirst and was up 3 times a night to the toilet. Got a truly fantastic GP so hopefully soon get it sorted. What is Hba1c???
Colin
HbA1c is something called glycated haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the substance that makes red blood cells red and which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When haemoglobin is exposed to blood glucose it changes - the higher the blood glucose level or the longer it is high the more it changes - and forms this version called HbA1c. Normally it is less than 6.5%, if the blood glucose level is too high it rises even further. But it can be in normal range and you still be diabetic - as diagnosed by the test you had.
But the important thing is that it reflects the overall control of blood glucose levels for the previous 3 months - so if you turn up and have a blood glucose that is normal on the day but the HbA1c is high it shows you have not been good about your diet! Be sure your sins will find you out!
Thanks for the info! Looks like another quagmire to get through. Thanks to all replies.
Colin
I have heard that pred can increase the risk of diabetes...anyone else know better?
Yes! my friend there is a strong possibility that Pred is the culprit because it raises the blood sugar. My GP told it raises Blood Sugar as well as BP, can cause Cataracts and bone loss. I have off Pred since late July. It is nasty stuff and trying Curcumin 3 times a day because it is an anti inflammatory. Dr's may say that it does not work but that's OK I am trying it anyway. My GP told me to cut back on carbs and exercise to counteract any rise in Blood Sugar. How do you exercise when you have PMR other than walking a bit?
I have not eaten any refined carbs is several yrs. I have even cut out flour products of all kinds and absolutely no sugar. He did not say what carbs to cut out so I think he is a jerk. Even fruits & vegetables are considered carbs. I think he meant refined carbs but it is hard to tell. I switched Dr'ds and have not been to my new one yet.
Hi, I became diabetic 10 years ago when on Pred for PMR. It did not go away when I stopped the pred. The doctor stopped it as soon as I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am now on insulin as well as tablets AND my PMR has returned. Naturally I am worried about being back on Steroids and have reduced fron 25mg to 8 mg since February. too fast and too far I think as I ache a lot again. I am cutting down on carbs ... ALL CARBS as an earlier post said, they all turn into sugar in your body and hence your blood. It is not easy, but it does get easier with ime. I still eat veg, especially cabbage and broccoli but although they are high in carbs I do eat carrots and peas .. they must be better than potatoes.
Good luck
Yes! no white potatoes at all, sweet potatoes or Yams are OK. Almost everything has some form of Carb. It's the refined carbs that are the real killers.
Blueberries help to fight Diabetes and I am now taking food grade Diatomaceous Earth from Earthworks Health. There is a lot info on the net about this product that has numerous benefits including detoxification. Look it up, good stuff. God bless and good luck.
Have looked that up. It sounds very interesting, but I don't know about eating it !!!
If you looked it up then you should know that it is perfectly safe to take a table spoon in a glass of water 1-2 times per day. Look up Earth Works Health , it is the best I have found. There are at least 15 known health benefits. I put a little lemon juice in the water then add the D.E. It's not really dirt but prehistoric fossils. I put in in a shaker glass, or you can stir it for a minute or two before drinking. It really has no taste of it's own. You have nothing to lose
Thanks BB, will it help blood sugar levels?
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