“Prednisone and high blood sugar?”
I was prescribed prednisone for 7 days after a car accident left me with contusions. Since that time I’ve developed headaches, tooth pain, and neurotherapy in my feet and fingers which worsens if I consume the smallest amount of sugar. I take thyroid medications. A1C has been tested twice in the three months since the accident -5.6 and 5.5. Fasting glucose has been 95 and 87.
Female | 63 years old
Complaint duration: 3 Months
Medications: Synthroid
Conditions: Hpothyroid
3 Answers
Endocrinology-Diabetes|Endocrinology,Diabetes&MetabolismPharmacist
Hello,
A short course of prednisone is unlikely to be the cause of your symptoms, however, it might have uncovered an underlying problem. I agree that your symptoms could be related to blood sugar fluctuations and you need a detailed evaluation.
I would love to see you in the office. Please call (512) 387-4224 or visit our website to make an appointment.
BR
Dr. Lalani
A short course of prednisone is unlikely to be the cause of your symptoms, however, it might have uncovered an underlying problem. I agree that your symptoms could be related to blood sugar fluctuations and you need a detailed evaluation.
I would love to see you in the office. Please call (512) 387-4224 or visit our website to make an appointment.
BR
Dr. Lalani
Glucocorticoids (Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisone, Prednisolone, Triamcinolone, and others) can increase blood sugar levels. It significantly affects individuals with prediabetes or diabetes mellitus. It is accepted that glucocorticoids lead to hyperglycemia by increasing glucose production by the liver, reducing sugar uptake by muscle and fat tissue, and reducing insulin production and secretion by the pancreas. Typically, after a dose of prednisone blood sugar will start to increase within few hours with a peak effect at about 8 hours and total duration of up to 16 hours. Post meal blood sugar level is affected most significantly and, in many cases, requires adjustment in medications that reduce post meal blood sugar level. In most cases once the prednisone has been stopped, the degree of post meal blood sugar level elevation significantly decreases and the medications that control blood sugar need to be adjusted once again.
In your case, the blood sugar levels that you posted are in good range (you should have checked the blood glucose levels 2 hours after your meals) and don't require treatment at this time (especially that you already stopped the prednisone). I would recommend to follow up with your primary provider for continued monitoring.
In your case, the blood sugar levels that you posted are in good range (you should have checked the blood glucose levels 2 hours after your meals) and don't require treatment at this time (especially that you already stopped the prednisone). I would recommend to follow up with your primary provider for continued monitoring.
Prednisone can increase glucose levels but the complaints you have do not seem to be related to the blood glucose level. It is always a good idea to not eat sugar; however, I do not believe the symptoms are related to glucose. It may be related to Prednisone itself as this medication has many different effects on different people.
