When you take prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Also known as corticosteroid therapy, it’s prescribed for conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. But one of its most common—and often overlooked—side effects is how it messes with your blood sugar, the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream. Also known as glucose levels, it’s tightly controlled by insulin, and prednisone throws that balance off. Even if you’ve never had diabetes, prednisone can push your numbers into the diabetic range. That’s not a fluke. It’s science.
Here’s how it works: prednisone tells your liver to pump out more glucose. At the same time, it makes your muscles and fat cells less responsive to insulin. That means your body can’t use the sugar in your blood the way it should. The result? High blood sugar. For some people, it’s a mild, temporary spike. For others—especially those with prediabetes, obesity, or a family history of diabetes—it can trigger full-blown steroid-induced diabetes. And it doesn’t take much. Studies show that even a 5 mg daily dose of prednisone can raise fasting glucose by 20% or more. If you’re on 20 mg or higher, the risk jumps sharply. You might not feel symptoms at first, but over time, consistently high blood sugar damages nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels. That’s why monitoring matters.
Managing this isn’t about stopping prednisone—it’s about managing it smartly. Your doctor might adjust your dose, timing, or suggest adding a short-term blood sugar tracker. Diet plays a huge role: cut back on refined carbs and sugary snacks. Focus on fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats. Eating smaller, balanced meals helps keep spikes from crashing and rebounding. If you’re already on diabetes meds, your dose may need tweaking. Some people need insulin for the duration of their prednisone treatment. Others find their levels return to normal once they stop. But don’t guess. Track your numbers. Talk to your pharmacist. Use a glucometer if you’re on prednisone for more than a few weeks. This isn’t something to ignore. It’s a known, predictable effect—and you have tools to handle it.
The posts below cover real-world cases and practical strategies from people who’ve dealt with this exact issue. You’ll find advice on blood sugar monitoring, diet adjustments, how prednisone interacts with other meds like insulin or metformin, and what to watch for when your levels climb. There’s also info on how steroid-induced high blood sugar differs from type 2 diabetes, and why some people bounce back while others don’t. These aren’t theoretical guides. They’re grounded in the same clinical reality you’re facing right now. Whether you’re just starting prednisone or several weeks in, the answers here are practical, direct, and focused on what actually works.
Steroid-induced hyperglycemia is a common and dangerous side effect of glucocorticoid therapy. Learn how to adjust insulin and diabetes medications safely based on steroid type, dose, and timing to prevent both high and low blood sugar.
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