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Anyone worried about steroid-induced diabetes from long term use of Dermovate?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Simmy68
Simmy68

I was diagnosed with vulvar LS in 1999. I have some fusion over clitoris, lost inner labia (not sure I had it to start with - other story). Since then I had a few on-and-off treatments (dermovate, tracolimus, etc) and in 2007 I stopped using corticoids, I was absolutely fine (just managing the odd itching with natural creams (Neem, Perrin's, Emuaid)). But in 2014 I went through some very stressful time and all of a sudden my LS symptoms were back with a vengeance! As I hate going to the doctors I waited until 2017 to finally see a dermatologist (because I was worried my skin was really thick and the itching becoming unbearable. So she gave me the usual dermovate treatement for 3 months (everyday for 1 month, every 2nd day for 1 month, twice a week for 1 month) given in the UK. Yesterday I had my follow up. Things a much better as there's basically no itching (odd one now and then) ad the appearance of the skin is also better. So the doctor told me to continue using dermovate 2 to 3 times weekly until I see her again in 6 months time. As I commented to a friend about my treatment, and about some blood tests I had done on the past 2 weeks (with a result of my blood sugar being borderline pre-diabetes), she asked me if I wasn't worried about STEROID-INDUCED DIABETES. I didn't know anything about that so I googled it. I found a lot of scientific papers describing the prolonged use of oral and topical steroids and the onset of diabetes mellitus. Apparently topical steroids get absorbed into bloodstream and somehow act on cortisol/insulin promoting hyperglycemia. So my questions are (finally!!! sorry for the long dissertation!)... Are you worried about developing diabetesfrom long-term use of dermovate (which is one of the most potents steroid; or other steroid)? Did you develop diabetes from steroids? Do you know anyone that developed diabetes specifically because of vulval LS treatment with steroids?

I really don't know how to proceed. I am terrified of developing diabetes (I'm already changing my diet after the blood test results but worry that the steroid use could counteract that) especially because I'm already at risk of developing it (mom has it, I'm overweight and have PCOS). My husband asked me "What do you prefer? Diabetes or Cancer?" and I don't want any! It should be this kind of choice, should it?

Thank you so much for your reply.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • ann67814
    ann67814 Simmy68

    Posted

    No! I think you are talking about taking oral steroids such as for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Topical steroids are really only affecting the area local to where it is applied.

    I strongly believe that they are the only sure treatment for LS with the addition of natural products and perhaps dietary measures.

    I reached a point where the soreness had gone and stopped using it only using coconut oil and stayed clear of soreness, but unfortunately the fusing galloped along. So most days I use a weaker steroid to slow it down.

    • Simmy68
      Simmy68 ann67814

      Posted

      Hi Ann,

      Actually lots of scientific papers confirm the absorption of the topical steroid applied on the skin can eventually lead to the development of hyperglycemia/diabetes. Not only oral or in eye drops form. Of course it's all to do with the quantity used and for how long, but there's no guideline about that. So, as little as a pea size twice daily for 3 months could already be harmful; who knows?!!!

      I also used coconut oil and it was very soothing, but like you said, it doesn't stop the progress of the condition. Fusing is very worrying and I panic with the (hopefully remote) possibility of closing my urethra and having to have an operation to be able to pee properly again.

    • ann67814
      ann67814 Simmy68

      Posted

      Hi Simmy I think I am more concerned about the LS which nothing else will help with I have lots of fusing and recently had a lesion which wouldn't heal removed for testing (all ok).

      I am 73 now and in my early 60s I was told that the biggest risk factor for diabetes was my age, so am on a hiding to nothing there! Just got to deal with the most troublesome problem at the time and hope to stay reasonably healthy.

    • Simmy68
      Simmy68 ann67814

      Posted

      Hi Ann,

      You are very right. Dealing with the most troublesome problem at the time makes sense. LS is already present, diabetes is not, and I'll do all I can to make sure it stays away. I tend to worry about the 'what ifs' but I've been told (and tell myself) that living in worry and fear is not living.

      Thanks for reminding me of that. I'm happy your results about the lesion were ok!! smile

  • caroline16811
    caroline16811 Simmy68

    Posted

    Hi Simmy, no I'm not at all concerned about it. If I get diabetes, it'll be from what I eat I think. Like you I'm overweight but am now on a low carb intermittent fasting regime. That is known to prevent diabetes type 2. But please do your own research. Tons of stuff on youtube from experts in their field ( not just lay people promoting fad diets) I would be amazed if using a topical steroid twice a week caused diabetes. Much more likely that we may insulin resistant or just plain eating too much sugar which can be changed easily with diet ! Hope that calms you. There's always someone out there ready to scare the beejeebers out of you ! I agree with your hubby too

    • Simmy68
      Simmy68 caroline16811

      Posted

      Hi Caroline,

      Yes, I'm pretty sure it would be the same case with me, but I wouldn't want the steroid use pushing that little bit more towards it, ehehe!

      I do a lot of research. I'm starting to follow a low carb/low GI/GL diet and just bought a book about intermittent fasting called 'The Longevity Diet'. It sounds very doable!

      My husband will be...'See?', ehehe! smile

  • frances87895
    frances87895 Simmy68

    Posted

    Have you done any research about PCOS and iodine deficiency; you might be interested in the results in my opinion.
    • Simmy68
      Simmy68 frances87895

      Posted

      Hi Frances,

      No I haven't.To be honest I never research much about PCOS but I will definitely have a look. Thank you smile 

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