Thursday, March 21, 2024
HomeMust ReadHow Long Does Prednisone Affect Blood Sugar

How Long Does Prednisone Affect Blood Sugar


How Are Steroids Used

Can Steroids Raise Blood Sugar?

There are many different ways one can take steroids. The most common is by mouth in the form of tablets, capsules, or syrups. Steroids can also be ingested via an inhaler or intranasal spray, most commonly to help alleviate asthma attacks or inflammation from seasonal allergies.

Steroids can also be applied topically in the form of creams and ointments to help heal skin conditions.

Finally, steroids administered by injection are the most common way to treat pain and inflammation people may experience when they suffer from tendonitis.

Deflazacort Vs Prednisone Effect On Blood Glucose Control In Insulin

Deflazacort vs prednisone. Effect on blood glucose control in insulin-treated diabetics. Bruno A , Cavallo-Perin P , Cassader M , Pagano G . Glucocorticoid treatment produces a deterioration of blood glucose control in diabetics. Recent reports have indicated that deflazacort is less diabetogenic than prednisone in healthy subjects. Ten insulin-treated diabetics who required steroid drugs were treated with deflazacort and prednisone in randomized, double-blind design after a pretreatment period of four weeks. At the end of each treatment, plasma glucose profile , hemoglobin A1 level, and insulin requirements were compared. Mean plasma glucose level and hemoglobin A1 values were significantly lower after deflazacort than after prednisone. Also, insulin requirement was significantly lower after deflazacort than after prednisone . These results indicate that deflazacort, when employed in an anti-inflammatory dose equivalent to prednisone, should prove advantageous in insulin-treated diabetics who require steroid treatment.Continue reading > >


Low Total Protein From Prednisone

Prednisone is mimicking cortisol, a catabolic hormone in our bodies. That means prednisone breaks down muscles and bones to have the fuel to survive right NOW, this emergency moment, of running away from a tiger. But thats not good long-term. When the muscles break down, you can see it on my labs as low protein. If youd seen me while I on high-dose prednisone, you might have noticed my skinny arms and legs, especially in contrast to my round face and belly.

Read Also: How To Use Diabetic Test Strips

How Prednisone Dosage Impacts Side Effects

Most steroid side effects only occur when people take prednisonelong-term. For non-chronic issues, you might take it only for a couple ofweeks.

We also try to start you on a high dose and thenrapidly lower it, which also minimizes side effects, Dr. Ford explains. Thatway, you get the benefit of a strong anti-inflammatory burst to settle down thereaction. Then the prednisone stays in your system long enough at lower levels sothe whole reaction can turn itself off.

For longer-term prescriptions, doctors may taper down dosages gradually to get them as low as possible without the return of symptoms. We typically aim for a dose thats about 5 to 7 milligrams a day, says Dr. Ford.


Were trying to roughly match how much cortisol the body produces, though many patients will be on a higher or lower dose than that.

The right prednisonedosage helps your body fire on all cylinders and reduces potential sideeffects. But if you hit a symptom sweet spot, it doesnt mean you no longerneed to take it.

Dont stop taking prednisone without checking with your doctorfirst, Dr. Ford cautions. Stopping it suddenly will likely bring back thesymptoms were trying to control.

Increased Doses Needed For Physical Stress

How Long Does Prednisone Affect Blood Sugar

Steroid use for over two weeks can decrease the ability of your body to respond to physical stress. A higher dose of steroid may be needed at times of major stress, such as surgery or very extensive dental work or serious infection. This could be needed for as long as a year after you have stopped steroids.

Self-care tips:

  • Discuss this possibility with the surgeon or dentist, etc. who is taking care of you at the time. Your physician or surgeon may not feel you need to take the extra steroid at the time of surgery, but if they know you have been on corticosteroids they can watch you more carefully after surgery.

Don’t Miss: Can Diabetics Eat Cheese And Crackers


Can Steroids Have A Lasting Effect On Blood Glucose

Three years ago, when I was 65, I was prescribed prednisone during a very bad cold. I have type 2 diabetes, which I controlled then with diet and exercise . After I started taking prednisone, my blood sugar shot up to 300 mg/dl, and it took me three weeks on Actos to bring it back down. My blood sugar has never been the same, and now I am on diabetes meds. Could the prednisone have caused a lasting effect?Continue reading > >

Low Calcium From Prednisone

  • Teeth
  • Heart contraction

Calcium is the next lab value prednisone affects, leading to low calcium or hypocalcemia. As you know, calcium is very important for bones and teeth, for muscle contractionespecially for your heart. The normal range for calcium is 8.4 to 10.4.

My calcium levels did remain in the normal range here, but not my normal. My normal is in the higher nines and it falls to the lower nines when I was on prednisone. Prednisone caused my calcium levels to decrease to suboptimal levels.

Why does low calcium matter?

It matters because calcium is being decreased. Calcium is the #1 nutrient that we should pay attention to when on prednisone. The depletion of calcium directly leads to osteoporosis. Since prednisone is the #1 drug that leads to osteoporosis, this is a big problem.

Thats why the American College of Rheumatologists recommend that everyone taking prednisone to be on calcium and vitamin D.


I knew that in a textbook way that prednisone depletes calcium. But I didnt realize that this was completely true for me, personally: that my own blood calcium had dropped. I knew this fact from school but did not really know it from my own personal experience. It showed up in my own medical record that prednisone is depleting calcium.

It really astonished me the first time I looked back. Oh my goodness, I do truly have evidence of having low calcium while being on prednisone.

Find out more in the one called the Silent Side Effect of Prednisone Osteoporosis.

Don’t Miss: How To Keep Blood Sugar Stable Overnight

What Are Cortisone Shots

Cortisone shots are injections of medicine that ease pain and swelling in different parts of the body. Doctors use these shots to treat injuries and conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune disorders .

Cortisone is a type of medication called a corticosteroid. Doctors use these drugs to treat inflammation caused by injury and illness. Sometimes cortisone shots are called corticosteroid shots. Commonly used cortisone variants include Kenalog® Depo-Medrol® , and Celestone® .


People most commonly receive cortisone shots in joints including the hip, knee, shoulder, spine, hands and feet. The cortisone reduces inflammation in and around the joint.

The Role Of Corticosteroids

Prednisone: Review of Special Precautions

Corticosteroids are substances derived from cholesterol metabolism that share three 6-carbon hexane rings and one 5-carbon pentane ring in their structure. The term corticosteroid is used clinically to describe agents with glucocorticoid activity and includes molecules that have two carbons at position 17 on the pentane ring and methyl groups at the carbon position 18 and 19 . Cortisol, which is an endogenous glucocorticoid, is produced by the adrenal cortex and its release depends on the proper functioning of the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal axis, which is essential for the maintenance of vital functions. Under non-stressed conditions, the human body produces approximately 20 mg of cortisol during the day. Situations of physical or psychological stress, such as infections, trauma or surgery, can result in a physiological increase in serum cortisol levels up to 150200 mg . In some circumstances associated with intense inflammation, such as sepsis, the adrenal glands ability to produce cortisol may be insufficient to maintain vital function, a situation described as relative adrenal insufficiency .

You May Like: What Should Blood Sugar Be Before Eating

Nasal Steroids And Blood Sugar

The side profile of oral steroids in extensive, especially when taken long term. In terms of blood sugar, they can increase levels by:

  • Promoting gluconeogenesis .
  • Reducing insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucose uptake into cells.

Nevertheless for nasal steroids, when taking into account the significantly different route of administration, doses used and bioavailability, they are not thought to cause significant side effects in most individuals.


In regard to blood sugar levels specifically, one study that looked at budesonide noted no suppression of cortisol and no increase in blood sugars. Another noted no significant systemic side effects whatsoever.

However, one study noted that while most intranasal steroids didn’t increase blood sugar levels or A1c, triamcinolone did :

References

Finding Answers To Prednisone Problems

Following my lab results gave me answers to many of the questions I had. I wanted to know:

  • Why I felt hungry all the time? Its because I had high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
  • Why I felt bloated? Its because of high sodium.
  • Why my legs and arms got skinny? Its because of low protein.
  • Was prednisone really causing me osteoporosis even in my 30s? Yes, I had low calcium.

How often should I check my blood?

I recommend having your blood tested at least once a year while at the very least while youre on prednisone. Just to ensure theres nothing out of whack. Find out all the things that need to be checked while you are on prednisone with the Prednisone Checklist.


Don’t Miss: Does Crystal Light Raise Blood Sugar

Understanding Steroids And Diabetes

Steroids are used to treat various conditions where there is inflammation in the body. They work by reducing this inflammation. Some examples of the conditions they are used to treat are:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Some types of malignant diseases
  • A few other auto-immune conditions

There are many different types of steroids. Some of the more common steroid drugs include:

  • Prednisolone
  • Deflazacort

Does Insulin Lower Iop

How Long Does Prednisone Affect Blood Sugar

The relationship between diabetes and glaucoma is incompletely characterized. In some but not all studies, diabetes has been shown to be a risk factor for glaucoma, but in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, diabetes was found to be a protective factor that reduced the risk of developing glaucoma among subjects with elevated IOP.

A research team led by Muhammad Abdulrazik, M.D., Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, investigated the intriguing hypothesis that initiating insulin therapy in diabetic patients results in a clinically significant reduction in IOP.


Although previous studies have shown that insulin therapy appears to have no effect on IOP, unexpected IOP findings from follow-up of patients initiating insulin therapy have justified a reassessment, Dr. Abdulrazik said.

They evaluated a series of 21 subjects with type 2 diabetes scheduled to begin therapy with subcutaneous insulin. IOP was measured on several occasions over a three-week period before the initiation of therapy and again several times after three months of insulin therapy.

Statistically significant changes in IOP from baseline were observed in patients after the third month of insulin therapy, said Dr. Abdulrazik. Interestingly, the IOP-lowering effect of insulin was inversely related to body mass index .

You May Like: Is Mac And Cheese Bad For Diabetics

Don’t Miss: Does Diet Soda Affect Blood Sugar


Healing Steroids And Diabetes

Common steroids, such as prednisone and cortisone, help to reduce inflammation and swelling and are used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from arthritis, allergic reactions, respiratory issues and sinus infections, lupus, some cancers, to muscle spasms.

These steroids, known as glucocorticoids, are different from testosterone-based anabolic steroids that some people use to build muscle. The name is derived from glucose + cortex + steroid and refers to the fact that they play a role in the regulation of glucose metabolism.

These steroids are found in oral pill or tablet form, a liquid or cream solution, nasal inhaler, injections, or even intravenous therapy , depending on the medical treatment in question.

For PWDs who may be experiencing complications like trigger finger or frozen shoulder, these oral and injected steroid medications are often a common treatment option. But they come with serious side effects to your blood glucose control.

Per Scheiner, injections tend to have the most significant impact on BGs, while topical creams are less likely to have a glucose effect, though you can find some scattered anecdotes of that happening around the online community.


We see it all the time. Often, people dont realize theres cortisone or another type of steroid in . Or, healthcare professionals believe there isnt enough to affect blood sugars, says Dr. David S. Bell, a longtime endocrinologist practicing outside of Birmingham, Alabama.

How Glucocorticoids Effect Blood Sugar

Medications known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and cortisone, are mainly used as anti-inflammatories or as anti-rejection drugs. They are prescribed, for example, for an arthritis attack or after an organ transplant.

One of their side effects is to increase blood glucose since these drugs promote glucose production in the liver and reduce the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. Consequently, glucose accumulates in the blood and can cause a rise in blood sugar levels. The side-effects vary from person to person based on the prescribed dose of glucocorticoids, the way it is administered , and the length of time a person takes the drug.

If you are taking glucocorticoids, measure your blood sugar more often than usual in order to monitor the drugs impact on your diabetes control. It may be necessary to talk to your doctor to adjust your antidiabetes medication or your insulin dosage to maintain normal blood-glucose levels. When glucocorticoids treatment is over, blood glucose levels usually return to normal within a few days.

Note: It is essential that the termination of glucocorticoids be supervised by a health professional.


Research and text: Amélie Roy-Fleming , Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator

Scientific review: Louise Tremblay, nurse, M. Ed.

Don’t Miss: How Long Can Insulin Be Out Of The Fridge

Prednisone And Diabetes: A Life

We have described prednisone as a Deal with the Devil. Thats because this drug is the classic double-edged sword. It can save lives and make life worth living for some people. For others, though, it can cause serious side effects including edema, insomnia, irritability, hypertension, glaucoma, cataracts, ulcers, blood clots, weakened bones and osteoporosis. There is also an association between prednisone and diabetes which in some cases can be life threatening. Here is one such report.

Risk Factors For Steroid

Steroid Induced Diabetes

Whether or not someone develops steroid-induced diabetes is dependent on many factors. The risk factors for steroid-induced diabetes are similar to the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, such as:


  • Weight being at a higher weight in proportion to your height.
  • Waist circumference a waist circumference greater than 40 inches for women and greater than 35 inches for men.
  • Inactivity spending a lot of time sedentary without regular physical activity.
  • Family history having a family history of diabetes, especially immediate family such as parents & siblings.
  • Race black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian-American individuals are at higher risk of developing diabetes.
  • Age risk increases after age 45, though people younger than 45 are increasingly being diagnosed with diabetes.
  • Prediabetes being diagnosed with borderline or prediabetes is a significant risk factor for it developing into type 2 diabetes.
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome a hormonal imbalance in women that can increase diabetes risk if insulin resistance is present.
  • Acanthosis nigricans darkening of the skin, especially on the neck and armpit, is a sign of insulin resistance.

Also Check: Can You Get Diabetes From Sugar

How Long Does Prednisone Stay In Your System

It takes approximately 16.5 to 22 hours for Prednisone to be out of your system. The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels by half. It usually takes around 5.5 x half-life for a drug to be completely eliminated from your system.

Checking Your Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes, it is very important that your blood sugar level is tested during steroid treatment. If you do not already check your blood sugar, you will need to start checking it. If you do, you will need to check it more often. When you first take the steroids, make sure you have enough blood-testing equipment with you at home.

Your doctor may also suggest you check your blood or urine for ketones. Ketones are chemicals that can sometimes build up in the body when there is a severe lack of insulin. Ketones are toxic to the body and large amounts can be very serious. A high level of ketones in the body is called diabetic ketoacidosis . It mainly affects people with type 1 diabetes, but it can affect anyone with diabetes who uses insulin. It can also affect people who control their diabetes with tablets and their diet, but this is rare.

You should keep a record of your blood sugar levels and when you take the steroids. This is so you can see if there is a pattern. You can share the record with your doctors and nurses.

Also Check: What Kind Of Bread Should A Diabetic Eat

How Do Cortisone Shots Work

Doctors give cortisone shots during an office visit directly into the area or joint involved, or sometimes just into a large muscle to get it into the bloodstream. In other parts of the body, the injection often includes a local anesthetic to start easing pain immediately. In these cases, cortisone is typically injected into three areas:

How Do Steroid Medications Affect Blood Glucose Levels

How Long Does Prednisone Affect Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes and are taking steroid medication, your blood glucose levels are likely to increase. Steroid medications can raise blood glucose levels by reducing the action of insulin and making the liver release stored glucose into the bloodstream.

The timeframe in which these medications begin to affect your blood glucose levels can vary depending on how you are taking them.

  • Oral steroids: Blood glucose levels may begin to rise within a few days of starting oral steroids. Their effect on blood glucose levels will depend on the time, dose and type of steroid you are taking.
  • Steroid injections: Blood glucose levels may rise soon after the injection and may remain high for 3-10 days afterwards.

Creams used for skin conditions, and inhaled steroids used for asthma and ear and eye drops are unlikely to affect blood glucose levels.

If you need to take steroid medication, talk to your doctor about how it may affect your blood glucose levels and ask for advice on how to manage this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for an information sheet about this medication.

High blood glucose levels can make you feel unwell, tired or lacking in energy, and thirsty. It can also make you pass urine more often.

Seek advice from your doctor or a credentialled diabetes educator on monitoring your blood glucose levels while taking steroid medication.

If you are taking steroid medication, talk to your doctor about how this may affect your blood glucose levels.

Read Also: How Much Vitamin B12 Should A Diabetic Take

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles