Metabolic changes from prednisone

[SoreDressageRider]

I have been on prednisone since July of 2021. Several failed attempts to taper but am presently at 3 mgs after changing diet dramatically. Had blood tests a month ago and cholesterol is one third higher than normal range. GP tells me that prednisone can cause metabolic changes by increasing blood sugars that would cause this. I have always been slim and athletic with no family history of stroke or heart disease. I meet with GP in two weeks to be prescribed statins to lower cholesterol. I am quite blue about this situation. Wondering if others have experienced this situation?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

healthline.com/health/diabe...

How are your blood sugars? It doesn't always follow but quite a few people develop higher cholesterol when on pred and some develop steroid-induced diabetes, If you adjust your diet to low carb, you can reduce the risk of that and some people never get near it. My cholesterol is raised because I am on Actemra and that really does affect cholesterol. I can't take statins, they make the PMR symptoms far worse, so for years I just refused but then was put on ezetimibe - not quite as effective but helps a lot.

There are quite a few on the forum on statins, most have no problems, a few have had to try a few different statins to find one that suits them. If a statin makes you ache or feel ill, ask to try a different one.

[SoreDressageRider in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much for your timely reply. You have provided me with helpful information. My blood sugars are fine, I have a monitor so check them regularly. I have been following a strict low carb diet. Both my husband and best friend are taking statins and neither has had a good experience with them. I trust my GP so am looking forward to talking with her.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Is this the first time your cholesterol is high since you've been on Pred? . Or first time tested?

It usually happens on higher doses, and as you reduce Pred, most raised readings like blood sugars, blood pressure etc return to normal.

As for statins, it's a case of try and see... I took them for years [it did take 3 different ones to find a suitable one] before, during, and for a while after GCA/Pred.

My then GP suggested taking a break from them as well as BP tablets after readings went very low. both crept up again, so back on BP tablets, but now find I am intolerant to all statins...

My cholesterol levels do run a bit high, but not enough to cause panic stations.. so we just keep an eye on them...

[SoreDressageRider in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the information. That is a good point, I am not sure if my cholesterol has been checked before, I have had so many blood tests in past 3 yearsI just assumed they had. I will follow up on that.

[Bcol]

Hi, I've been on statins for years, couldn't cope with first three which gave me very painful joints but the fourth Rosuvastatin (5mg) has been fine.