blood sugar and prednisalone

[ellarowan]

Has anyone found that their blood sugar has increased since taking steroids? I’ve been on steroids for nearly 3 years and when I tapered to 2.5 my blood sugar was normal. After a flare and having to increase my steroids to 5ths (I’m now tapering again) my blood sugar test went up from 40 to 43.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It's listed as a common side effect.. hopefully it will decrease as you reduce the Pred.

medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Most people probably if they measured it! What can help your Hba1c level back to nearer normal (jusding by the figures that is what you meant) is to cut your dietary carbs and quite a few on the forum have got from the diabetic range to normal by doing so, I've been on pred at above 10mg or so for over 10 years but I usually eat low carb and my Hba1c is 36. Often all you need to do is cut processed carbs and added sugar though some need to be more careful.

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

I've managed to do exactly the same PMRpro - reduced the carbs and it's worked wonderfully - mine is also now 36. More than worth a try.

[piglette]

Mine have dropped as I reduce over three years they have gone from 39 to 37.

[Logic]

Yes, and my rheumatologist put me on Metformin as a precaution both times in had to take prednisone for PMR.

[loomweaver]

Yes, mine also went up, I am now on Metformin & Gliclazide, I am hoping it will reduce the lower I can get on prednisolone, I am on 6mg down to 5-2mg.

[Bagadash]

Yes, been on pred for 3 years, currently at 2.5mgs, my Hba1c has gone from 39 to 42 in the last year. Have been cutting carbs and sugar for last 5 weeks in the hope that reduced weight will lower reading. Not obese, 5’5” and 10.7 from 11 stone ant start and hoping this will help lower reading.

[Tiggy70]

I was a type 2 diabetic before being diagnosed with PMR. After 2.5 years my HbA1c has risen from around 53 to 70. I regularly get sugar spikes despite being on a reduced carb diet and have had to more than double my Metformin and add another diabetic drug to the mix. I guess I’m just one of the unlucky ones!

[Karenjaninaz]

I normally have reactive hypoglycemia for years. Prednisone never really raised my blood sugar and I measure daily. My condition stabilizes with low carb, high fat and protein.

[Merryfield]

on steroids, my blood sugar went into diabetic range from pre-diabetic. changed diet and taking metformin and jardiance. weight and blood sugar down a bit. must keep at it.