February 10, 2002
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Question from Morganton, North Carolina, USA:
Two weeks ago, my doctor prescribed prednisone for a sudden bout of hives, approximately seven days into this treatment, my blood pressure became very high, and I had to be taken off of the prednisone very quickly. Almost immediately I became dizzy and shaky, and generally felt terrible. Then, within a few days, I developed a rash on my arms, legs and back, and chest area which became hard to deal with.
I went to the doctor to talk about the rash, but he wanted to talk about my blood work done about three days after I discontinued the prednisone noting that my blood sugar was 149 mg/dl [mmol/L]. Two months previously, it was 111 mg/dl [mmol/L]. I take blood pressure medications and Pravachol, but I have never had any problems with my blood sugar.
Did the prednisone cause this rise in my blood sugar? Is it reversible? I have not been able to see the doctor since I had a two-hour glucose test done this week to get any answers from him, but it was up again when they did this. I am starting to get very concerned about this, and need some advice.
Answer:
I would suggest you cannot make the diagnosis of type� 2 diabetes in the presence of recent steroid therapy. However, individuals at increased risk for type 2 diabetes have their sugars rise with prednisone.
I would use the time with your physician to discuss ways to decrease your risk of developing diabetes.
JTL
[Editor’s comment: Also, see Your doctor advises using steroids, at the Diabetes Monitor.
WWQ]
