Cortisone shots are a common medical treatment used to reduce inflammation and pain in various parts of the body, including joints, muscles, and tendons. Patients often wonder about potential side effects, particularly how these injections might affect blood sugar levels.
How Cortisone Affects Blood Sugar
Cortisone shots introduce synthetic corticosteroids, which mimic cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a role in the body’s stress response and influences glucose metabolism, and these synthetic corticosteroids can temporarily elevate blood sugar levels.
Cortisone raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose, a process known as gluconeogenesis, which is then released into the bloodstream. Additionally, corticosteroids can make the body’s cells less responsive to insulin, leading to insulin resistance. Since insulin helps glucose enter cells for energy, reduced sensitivity means glucose stays in the blood, causing levels to rise.
These combined effects mean that cortisone shots can lead to a temporary increase in blood sugar. This elevation is usually temporary, and the body’s natural processes work to restore balance once the corticosteroid’s effects diminish.
Factors Influencing Blood Sugar Changes
Several factors can influence how much a cortisone shot affects blood sugar levels and for how long. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or even pre-diabetes, are more susceptible to noticeable blood sugar spikes. Even those without a diabetes diagnosis can experience temporary increases. The severity of a person’s diabetes, as indicated by their HbA1c levels, can also affect the extent and duration of blood sugar elevation, with higher HbA1c often correlating with greater and longer-lasting increases.
The type of cortisone shot also matters. Localized injections, such as those given into a joint, typically have a lower risk of widespread effects compared to systemic treatments. However, even local injections can lead to some systemic absorption, potentially causing blood sugar to rise. The dosage and frequency of the cortisone shots are also important; higher doses and more frequent administrations tend to result in more pronounced and prolonged blood sugar increases. Individual responses to cortisone can vary.
Monitoring and Managing Blood Sugar Levels
For individuals receiving cortisone shots, especially those with diabetes, proactive monitoring and management of blood sugar levels are important. Inform your doctor about any history of diabetes or blood sugar issues before the injection, allowing them to plan accordingly.
After the injection, regular blood sugar monitoring is important, particularly for individuals with diabetes, who might need to check their levels more frequently, sometimes up to four times daily for several days following the shot. Dietary adjustments can also support blood sugar management; reducing carbohydrate intake and avoiding sugary foods helps keep levels stable. Engaging in gentle physical activity can also assist in blood sugar regulation. Patients with diabetes should discuss potential temporary adjustments to their insulin or oral diabetic medications with their doctor, as medication doses may need to be altered to account for the cortisone’s effects.
Expected Duration of Elevated Blood Sugar
The duration for which blood sugar levels remain elevated after a cortisone shot can vary, depending on factors such as the specific type of cortisone used, the dosage administered, and an individual’s metabolism. Elevated blood sugar levels are generally observed for a few days up to a week or two following the injection.
The peak increase in blood sugar often occurs within 24 to 48 hours after the injection. For many individuals, blood sugar levels typically return to their baseline within a week. However, for those with poorly controlled diabetes, the elevation can persist for a longer period. If elevated blood sugar levels continue longer than anticipated, consult a doctor for further guidance.