POLYMYALGIA SUFFERER

[deltamesa]

what is the relationship between PMR, OA, and diabetes?

[HeronNS]

I don't think there is any relationship between PMR, OA and diabetes, except that the treatment, prednisone, can cause elevated blood sugar and if not careful one can develop diabetes. Osteoarthritis is unrelated and not affected by pred as far as I know, but osteoporosis is a possible risk factor for people on pred, which is why we're told to take our calcium etc. The only relationship with PMR directly would be if PMR stopped you from exercising at all and your bones started to suffer from that.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Basically - not a lot. Other than that, as Heron has said, pred alters the way your body processes carbohydrates and that can lead to raised blood sugar levels which is a form of diabetes, steroid induced diabetes. It can be managed in the same way as Type 2 diabetes with medication or you can just cut the amount of carbs you eat - which often will also help with the weight gain associated with pred.