Steroid induced diabetes
Posted , 10 users are following.
having had to stop Leflunomide because of severe diarrhoea, my rheum wanted me to start methotrexate : I had all the tests and was due to start this but they rang and said my liver function was too poor. Meanwhile the GCA flared up, so back up to 40mgs pred.
My liver function has continued to worsen, so am awaiting a scan...
they have found a heart arrhythmia for which I need an ablation procedure soon....
AND NOW they have found my sugar control to be poor, and say they will “treat me as diabetic” although it may be temporary.
Has anyone experienced steroid diabetes?
1 like, 12 replies
MariGrace aileen1955
Posted
Yes, Aileen, I was diagnosed with diabetes about a month ago. My family internist is treating me for this as well as all the side effects of my meds and the blood clots.
I have to do a blood sugar reading 2 hours after breakfast, dinner, and at bed time. Am required to keep a chart of the finger prick results and give them to the doctor. If they are not good, I'd have to fax them over to her. I can eat 45 carbs (or less) for each meal and am allowed 15 carbs for 2 snacks. So far, my results are diet controlled. The doctor did not put me on diabetes medication after looking at the numbers I give her for a month. The diet is easier to follow than I thought it would be. It is necessary to check the carbs in everything. There are good ideas for snacks, etc. on the internet. Find a good diabetic chart for the numbers, too. My daily numbers are in the borderline range, but my A1c is smack in the diabetic range. drat.
The doctor said the diabetes might get better as the prednisone is reduced or it might not. I'm going to be hopeful. To control with diet and remain off medication is a good sign. I hope that for you, too. My medicare paid some for the glucose monitor with a prescription. Your doctor (or someone in the office) will probably give you the diabetes talk. It didn't work for me, I had to come home and study. After years of much higher prednisone, this never happened. It has been a bummer and an adjustment, but it is what it is and it has to be dealt with appropriately.
My meds are prednisone 15mg a day (down from 60 when diagnosed in April), methotrexate (I'm begging to get off of it. Most of my hair is gone. The rheumatologist does not want me off ), and Eliquis for a blood thinner. They will not switch because of the danger in switching. I'm taking two pills a day and the clots might take 2 years to dissolve.
One thing for sure. This is a journey, the support from this group is awesome, and I'm grateful.
Best to you,
MariGrace
EileenH aileen1955
Posted
Is it atrial fibrillation you have? I also have it - due to the autoimmune part of PMR the cardiolgist believes. They don't do the ablation procedure here unless they absolutely have to so I haven't had that pleasure yet.
If you cut your carbohydrate intake drastically it will help with the steroid induced diabetes. It is quite common. Pred changes the way your body processes carbs and also makes your liver release random spikes of glucose. If you cut your carb intake it all brings the average level of glucose down and if you are consistent and lucky takes you out of the diabetes range. It will almost certainly improve as the dose of pred falls.
Where are you?
judy20492 aileen1955
Posted
I have been on insulin since starting on Pred as pills had no effect on my blood sugar. I take a daily dose of insulin of 7 units and have controlled my blood sugar since then. My doctor believes I will not be diabetic once I get off the Pred.
Best to you and Merry Christmas
aileen1955
Posted
eileen, it’s called Wolff Parkinson White syndrome, which I apparently have had since I was born but has been activated by steroid use. The ablation is a permanent fix but won’t be done in until April.
fortunately, Marigrace, I’m in the Uk so will be fully covered by the marvellous but beleaguered NHS. considering the amount of tests/scans/consultants I’ve had recently, I’m very thankful.
I hear what you say about carbs, hope it works!
EileenH aileen1955
Posted
That seems very unfair!!! It's rare, PMR isn't very common - to have both is rotten! How did they recognise that was what was wrong? Had you had no signs before?
aileen1955 EileenH
Posted
EileenH aileen1955
Posted
aileen1955 EileenH
Posted
My gp says I’m too complex for them and is concerned that the consultants (Rheumy, cardio, hepatology)are all looking at their own piece of me in isolation.
They want to refer me to Elderly Care, as the are general medics, although I’m 62. Not sure!
Anhaga aileen1955
Posted
I would love to have a doctor who specialized in care of the elderly if it meant they would listen to all my concerns, not just treat one thing. If it's any consolation the young women who have babies when they are over 35 are considered "elderly".
EileenH aileen1955
Posted
Elderly Care do usually do well with complex disorders like that because they see them quite a lot - and the age category starts about 55 and over so it isn't TOO bad. Think of them as GPs with extra skills.
Anhaga - when I had my first baby at 27 I was designated an "elderly prim". I'd be classed as a baby these days!!!
Anhaga EileenH
Posted
Susanne_M_UK aileen1955
Posted
I too have GCA and have been on high doses of pred.
I was diagnosed as pre diabetic in August and GP suggested I try the Low GI diet (similar to low carb diet, but some carbs with slow release sugars are allowed). I've lost loads of weight without ever feeling particularly hungry and hopefully my bloodtest in a month or so will show my blood sugars at a normal rate.
My liver function was poor about 2 years ago and I had both the scan and a biopsy (not pleasant!). I stopped drinking alcohol and as I gradually tapered the pred, it returned to normal. I had also been on methotrexate for 6 months, which affects your liver, as you know. Funnily enough, when I'm on strong antibiotics for chest infections, it shoots up again.
Wishing you all the best, you have enough to cope with.