polymyalgia

Hello Shirley_d

Yes, we all worry about steroid-related weight gain when we first embark on Prednisolone but rest assured that whilst some people put on a fair amount of weight, others put on very little or even nothing at all. In fact, one or two people who post regularly on here actually lose weight on steroids!

One tip though is to avoid too many carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta as they definitely appear to increase the steroid-induced weight gain. If you can also reduce sugar intake to a minimum this can also help.

We are all different in our response to steroids so let's hope that you have a smooth PMR journey and are one of the lucky ones!

MrsO

hello shirley. i am also diabetic, and when i was on steroids my weight increased by a stone, but i lost that when i gradually rduced from the steroids. the important thing is to watch the blood sugar levels and increase the insulin to compensate for the steroids, i went up from a dinner time insulin level of 14 units to over 90!, now i am down to a level of 8 units at dinner time, the other thing to remember is that increasing the insulin will add weight, but you need to do this, to keep low sugar levels. all the best. margaret.

thanks so much for your response,i will try the reduced carbs advice but it so confusing as the diabetic advice is to include carbs at every meal,

i have to lose 30kg and now with the steroids i feel it will almost be impossible!

also can you tell me how soon is it before your face shape starts to change i know this doesn't affect everyone but i've only been taking pred for 2 weeks and already had most of the side affects.

so sorry when i read this back it just looks like one long moan

shirley_d

Just thought I would cheer you up.

There are 82 side effects and I just bet you have not had them all. I have not met anybody who has got anywhere near that number and am looking for someone who has reached double figures. I have been looking for four years!!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing, I used to take my friend to her Diabetic Clinic, which she attended 6 monthly. When ever something major happened she rang them and was given an immediate appointment to discuss the situation.

I would think, PMR is 'majpr' and I would urge you to visit your diabetic consultant asap.

hello again. yes, please keep in contact with your local daibetic help centre, mine is at the university hospital durham, and they phoned me daily to check i was ok, when i was first on the steroids , untill i settled down changing the amount of insulin for myself. but my own gp, will always take a phone call if i am worried as well. its hard getting the levels right. good luck margaret.