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Steroids and Diabetes

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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 2/1/2010 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having an attack and am slated to get a dose of IV steroids. The first attack I had many years ago continued to get worse until getting this treatment and then began to resolve within a couple of days. In January of 2007 I got another treatment. In April of 2008 my fasting blood glucose was 128. It had been 85 in August of 2007. It now stays in the pre-diabetic range.( typically about 115) I've been reading about the link between steroids and diabetes and am concerned about taking the treatment but I also am feeling poorly and he attack continues. Has anyone else had experience with this?
Posted 2/6/2010 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Just something to consider...are you sure that it is the steroids that have caused your blood sugar to run higher?  Weight and exercise play a large role in diabetes, so if you are at an unhealthy weight or don't get enough exercise, it could be that you need to make some lifestyle changes.  You should definitely ask your doctor these questions, he/she may be able to explain the risks to you more clearly.
Posted 2/7/2010 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Steve,

Steroids are not without risk. Once aware of what they are it really comes down to a personal choice on whether the benefits are worth it. They seem to have helped you in the past though. It might be helpful to ask your doctor if they beleive this flare will end without them. I've seen many folks not take the steroids unless the flare is so bad it interferes with quality of life and just won't end on its own. Best of luck with your decision.
Posted 2/8/2010 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Stevejsk, steroids do usually raise blood sugar in most people.  If you're not already diabetic and follow a low-carb eating plan, it might be wise to cut way down on carbohydrates (bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes) while you're on the steroids as this would probably help control blood sugar better.  Some long-term users of steroids might even be put on diabetes meds if their blood sugar runs critically high while they're taking steroids.  This is one reason doctors need to monitor your blood sugar.
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