Prednisone and diabetes | Arthritis Information

I just found out I have a pre-diabetic condtion. The number is 114. I realize anyone with serious diabetic issues may find my question a bit frivolous.

My RD suggested I do a month of prednisone and I happened to read that prednisone may affect blood sugar levels.

I wonder if someone could tell me if it would be safe to take the prednisone. It didn't even occur to me to tell the doctor about the elevated glucose results.

Thanks, I 'd appreciate any advice.

I think you have a valid concern. I have been diabetic for quite a few years now. started prednisone when I fond out I had RA and since being on it my metformin has been raised from 500mg to 1000mg per day. I would talk to your Dr. and see what he will tell you. Good luck. I also agree it is a valid concern. Prednisone can indeed raise glucose levels. But it doesn't mean Prednisone is no longer an option. Often the dr would rather treat the "temporary Prednisone induced diabetes" and carefully watch it while the Prednisone is doing it's job on the condition for which it was prescribed. I think it is then weaned down as soon as possible. I don't know if they still continue the Prednisone long term.

Definitely tell your doctor.

CathyMarie

Yep, call the doctor before you take the pred. My mom went through an upping of the Metformin when they prescribed the pred. I am sure they will want to watch your blood glucose closely (just a guess as I am no doctor). Yes, I would contact my reg doc who treats or diagnosed the diabetic condition for at least another opinion. Then discuss with RD again.

My dietician told me that if I went on pred they would proably put me on insulin temporary. But I am rather scared that i would never be able to get off it.

Good Luck

Thanks so much your your replies. I'm serioussly considering not taking the prednisone.

I was off methotrexate for 3 weeks off and on while having 2 root canals.

My fingers are a little sore but nothing serious. I can restart the MTX now and I'll hope for the best.

Thanks again.

My levels were in the 140's while I was on 40 mgs of prednisone. I wasn't treated and when I tapered they went back to normal. I was a little concerned because diabetes runs in the family so I was pre disposed. However at the time I REALLY needed the prednisone so the trade off was worth the chance.

Hi Dotty,

I'm a type 1 diabetic who uses insulin. I just tapered off of prednisone after a nasty flare that kept me on the prednisone for 7 months. All I did was monitor my glucose (like I normally do) and I could increase my insulin dosage to make up for the increase in blood glucose. I'm sure you will be fine going on the prednisone in a pre-diabetic condition for a short term. I can honestly tell you that my glucose numbers rise was not too bad overall. I hope this helps...Hiking Gal

I think prednisone-induced-diabetes is a little like gestational diabetes(during pregnancy) ; when you are done with it, the diabetes goes away. I imagine that if you are already diabetic, it means your blood glucose level returns to your usual.

CathyMarie

Thanks again for your replies. I think I may have exaggerated my symptoms, but not by much. I think I was anticapating problems more than experiencing them. That has a slightly hypocondriical ring!

I am really freaked by this prediabetes thing. It never occured to me I could have this problem. I want to do all I can to make sure it doesn't progress into something more serious.

My feet have been bothering me slightly, the balls of feet and my toes, I'm really hoping I don't get arthritic feet. Do be honest I don't really know what they feel like like! I worry they are hurting a bit because I didn't take the MTX for a while.

I'm almost embarassed to post this as my problems are do small compared to others on this board.

Again thanks for your replies!

[QUOTE=dotty]Thanks again for your replies. I think I may have exaggerated my symptoms, but not by much. I think I was anticapating problems more than experiencing them. That has a slightly hypocondriical ring!
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