Prednisone, a corticosteroid medication, is frequently prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, treating conditions ranging from asthma to autoimmune diseases. While beneficial, prednisone typically raises blood sugar levels. This is a common and important side effect for individuals taking this medication.
Prednisone’s Impact on Glucose Levels
Prednisone elevates blood glucose by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose, a process known as gluconeogenesis. This increased output from the liver contributes to higher blood sugar concentrations.
Prednisone also leads to insulin resistance in body tissues. This means cells in muscles and fat become less responsive to insulin, the hormone moving sugar from the blood into cells for energy. When cells resist insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood because it cannot enter efficiently. Prednisone can also affect the pancreas, potentially reducing its ability to secrete insulin.
Factors Increasing Risk
Individuals with pre-existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2), prediabetes, or a history of insulin resistance are particularly susceptible to elevated blood sugar when taking prednisone. A family history of diabetes also increases this risk.
The dosage and duration of prednisone treatment also play a significant role. Higher dosages and longer treatment periods increase the chance of elevated blood sugar. Also, other medical conditions or medications affecting blood sugar metabolism may contribute to this increased risk. These factors collectively mean the body already struggles with glucose regulation, making it more vulnerable to prednisone’s effects.
Strategies for Managing Glucose
Managing blood sugar levels while on prednisone involves proactive steps, always under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial, often requiring more frequent checks than usual, potentially four or more times daily. This helps individuals and their doctors understand how prednisone affects their glucose levels throughout the day.
Dietary modifications are an important component of management, focusing on reducing simple carbohydrates and sugars. Emphasizing complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and fiber can help stabilize blood sugar. Lifestyle adjustments like regular physical activity, as advised by a doctor, also contribute to better glucose control. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, medication adjustments, such as increased insulin or oral diabetes medications, may be necessary, and these decisions are made solely by a doctor.
When to Contact Your Doctor
It is important to know when to seek medical attention while taking prednisone. Consistently high blood sugar readings, particularly above 200 mg/dL on two occasions, warrant contacting a healthcare provider. Symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, are also clear indicators that medical advice is needed.
In rare cases, more severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur, presenting with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, or rapid breathing. Any concerns about side effects or if current management strategies are not effectively controlling blood sugar levels should prompt a discussion with a doctor. Patients should never adjust their prednisone dose or diabetes medications without professional medical guidance.