Prednisone and Blood Glucose Levels

Can taking prednisone for an extended time cause elevated blood glucose levels? 

I was talking to a girl at work who told me that I should watch my sugar levels if I've been on prednisone for awhile.  I have been on it at varying doses since March 4th.  I didn't want to call the doctor yet again since he's got to think I'm becoming hypochondriac (sp?).  So, I stopped at the drugstore and they had a monitoring kit for $18. 

I've used it all weekend and low and behold I think there may be an issue here.  The readings are all over the board.  Usually by the end of the day the readings are in the mid to upper 180's. 

So, now I am wondering if I should call the doctor?  Should I continue to monitor this since I will be on prednisone until at least June 5th (next appt with GI)?  If I should continue watching the levels my insurance will pay for the test strips but only with a script from the doctor which means I have to call the office. 

What would you do?  Am I over-reacting? 

Test your blood sugar every morning on arising, before you eat or drink anything (even water) and before you walk around a lot. Keep a record. Casual blood sugars taken at all different times before and after eating aren't really too helpful in evaluating things. Unless someone is on insulin, one fasting sugar a day is usually enough.

Yes, steroids do tend to elevate blood sugar and can induce type 2 diabetes in some people. Don't panic about it, but try limiting your simple carbs and exercising and see if that helps the glucose levels.

Definitely talk to your doctor about these concerns. I did develop type 2 on steroids, but everything has returned to normal now that I'm off. I still observe the diet fairly well and try to be sure I get exercise. I never had to take any medication for it even while I was still on steroids.

Yes. The Prednisolone does affect your blood glucose levels. I used to have very high blood glucose level, while I was in hospital, as they were pumping over 100 mg of steroids. This is purely steroid infested, and becomes normal in most cases after the Pred is stopped.

I was on 120 mg of Prednisone and had developed diabetes.  My blood sugar was at 613, and anything over 500 you can go into a diabetic coma.  I was scared more than, than I had ever been in my life before.  I was well for two years, no flares of any kind and then got so sick I was in the hospital twice.  The first time I was in for 10 days and was on more meds than I knew what to do with, including 120 mg of Prednisone.  I never want to use that terrible drug again. 

 

I have been able to get all my side affects under control; blood sugar is normal, eye pressure went back to normal, muscle strength is back, but now I have the worse acne I have ever had in my life and have lost about 75% of my hair.  I have been off of prednisone for almost two months but the side effects are still hitting me.

 

Talk to your doctor and stay on top of everything.  Read as much as you can about the side effects, because from what I have seen, if you get one, you are more likely to have many.

 

Good Luck!