I have GCA and have been taking pred for three years, down to 10mgs now. I've just had a letter from my GP practice inviting me to ICS Health & Wellbeing sessions as my latest glucose reading (HbA1c/FPG) is 43. That puts me into the risky area, though at the bottom end of it (range is 42-47).
I googled the connection between steroids and diabetes and pred seems to be a culprit that raises blood sugar levels. Does anyone have experience? Should I take the course?
Hi,
In many cases Pred does raise blood sugars to certainly pre-diabetic levels, but as you reduce the Pred most find their sugars return to normal. Of course, there are always exceptions! Mine went up marginally when I was on Pred, but the GP -older and wiser than some - wasn’t concerned, we just monitored it for a while, and now I’m off Pred it’s back to normal.
As for the course, it’s up to you, you might learn something useful and you’ll probably someone different to talk to! But it’s common sense really - my husband’s diabetic nurse said a diabetic diet is just a healthy diet!
I developed a few of the more concerning pred side effects and one of them was blood sugar nearly into diabetes level. Sorted by virtually eliminating grains, especially wheat. Never much of a sweets eater, but cut those few back as well. Stabilized and gradually lowered as pred tapered. Still very strict as I wonder if I have a tendency anyway, although I'm thin and exercise a lot. I certainly don't deny myself. But I advise you be very stern with yourself regarding diet. My daughter, a dietitian, told me to always eat protein with carbs, so I do, often a little cheese or some nuts.
Take a look at this link and read: pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk/as... Page 4
It might just help you. Article called Demystifying Diabetes. Guest Speaker at a meeting and people with Diabetes said they wished they had been in her area.
Yes That was me. I have GCA and I was tipped over the line with the Pred but worked really hard with a low carb diet and got the weight down and I am now normal. On 4.5 now and still keep an I on my weight.
Difficult to say whether the course would help - but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Tthe pred causes the liver to release random spikes of glucose and in some people that is enough to tip them over into the pre-diabetic range.
One of the things we recommend a lot on the forums is to cut carbs drastically when on pred. That reduces the glucose levels for a lot of the time so overall the Hba1c is improved.
Roy 36. I have been Hypoglycemic for 50 years. Blood sugars 50-70. After extended time on Pred now 90-110. Not terrible but terrible for me. Pred does definitely raise BS's
Roy,
I agree with the others. If you've the time to attend the sessions, they could be interesting. I'm biased, as I'm a retired dietitian! The course will no doubt cover activity as well as diet.
My HbA1c has been as much as 43, but at last count was 37, in spite of an increase in pred for a flare. (Click on my name to see the graphs.)
I'm careful with carbs, but not obsessive. I have a small portion of starchy carb at each meal, but avoid added sugars wherever possible, apart from my small square of dark chocolate each day! I eat as many as 5 portions of fruit through the day, so get natural sugars from them.
We're all different in our metabolism, so only time will tell as to how your levels go.
Take care.
Thank you all for your advice, which I've taken on board. I'll investigate a low carb diet and see just what I can and can't eat. I was pleased to discover that the carb level in wine is low!
I'm committed to getting more exercise, but just can't find the time; must try harder. Years ago I ran the London Marathon a couple of time (3.36 best), so I know that I have it in me somewhere.
I've just discovered that my local Nuffield Health gym offers a free 3 monthly MOT, which includes checks on the usual BMI, blood pressure etc. It also includes a blood sugar level check as well as cholesterol check. I've signed up
Add in more walking - park or get off the bus further away from where you are going and walk the last bit. The Leeds research group is carrying out a clinical study on the role of exercise in PMR management - issuing patients with a Fitbit and encouraging them to increase the no of steps they aim for.
Wise words as usual.
I drive my wife to a fitness class Saturday and Sunday mornings. I used to drop her and drive home and return to pick her up an hour later. Now I have worked out a few walking routes of 2-3 miles, one with a very steep uphill climb, so now that's my exercise rather than to'ing and fro'ing in the car. I also have an app in my iPhone which tells me how many steps/distance I've walked each day. It's useful information.
As a house husband I count washing, ironing, gardening, cleaning as exercise. But nothing beats the real thing.
I’ve just had blood test results and my HbA1C is 55 tried to get appt with Doctor as I don’t think this is good hoping to see someone on Tuesday.
Also I purchased a blood pressure monitor because the Nephrologist said my pressures too high for someone with my condition IGA. Last tradings are 164/98 despite doubling my blood pressure meds.
Should I be concerned or am I turning into a hyphochondriact?
You need to see a specialist and get that BP sorted - because yes, that is far too high for anyone! But you are a complex patient and the average non-specialist and many specialists will struggle. I would expect a nephrologist to have some clue though!
Did you realise this thread is over 2 years old? I'd repost as a new thread of you want responses.
Hi PMR Pro no I hadn’t realised it was 2 years old lol pref head strikes again. Yes please
Thanks 😘
Ok lol I’ll try
Can’t blame pred this time; it’s something else.
Mycophenolate and pred.
query about pred and surgery
Pred and methotrexate
Pred over Azathioprine
