Managing diabetes involves the prevention of blood glucose from increasing. However, there is a treatment that triggers the blood sugar levels to rise if excessively consumed. This form of treatment is called Prednisone. It is a steroid that alleviates arthritis and certain allergies.
How is Prednisone linked with high blood sugar levels?
This steroid is part of a medicinal classification called corticosteroids. It works the same way as cortisol, which affects how metabolism and blood sugar function. If there is an imbalance in the body’s supply of natural cortisol, it can affect insulin production.
Prednisone is effective in providing treatment to individuals with asthma. Once consumed, this steroid works by lessening the swelling in the lungs. However, this steroid’s adverse reaction can increase chances of having diabetes.
Two usual adverse reactions that individuals experience after taking their regular Prednisone treatment are obesity and high blood pressure. These reactions are common in individuals with diabetes. If Prednisone treatment continues for a long time, there is a high chance that diabetes will happen.
List of symptoms induced by Prednisone:
Consider the following signs that individuals with diabetes can experience induced by the steroid Prednisone.
- Unusual thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased hunger
- Impaired eyesight
- Dryness of the mouth
- Unexplained fatigue
- Dryness of the skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild to severe headaches
- Itchiness on some areas of the body
- Slow-healing wounds
- Unexplained weight loss/gain
Susceptibility
The following factors are responsible for a person’s susceptibility to complications induced by Prednisone.
- Age
- Obesity
- Diabetes history within the family
- Diagnosis of prediabetes
- Glucose intolerance
Treatment and Safety
Taking steroids can relieve pain, due to Prednisone. While this consumption is unavoidable because of its effective medical benefits, individuals with diabetes will need to follow certain precautionary measures. Consider the following:
- Dosage adjustment – An individual with type 2 diabetes may need to adjust their oral medications to ensure that Prednisone will not make their diabetes worse. However, part of this adjustment is making sure diabetes does not complicate.
- Always keep some snacks handy – Hypoglycemia is an adverse reaction to this steroid. You can eat candies or drink juices when you experience symptoms of low blood sugar levels.
- Always monitor your blood sugar – This action helps maintain normal levels of blood glucose. Despite taking Prednisone, you can still control your diabetes as long as you monitor it regularly.
Individuals with diabetes who use this steroid should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare professionals. Additionally, healthcare professionals may recommend a substitute medication. However, choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is still the best option for diabetes management. Obtain medical advice from your healthcare professional today following steroid treatment. Being diagnosed with diabetes is never easy. Make sure your body is capable enough of managing it.
