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June 29, 2000

Other Medications

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Question from Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA:

I have a 5 year old with Type 1 diabetes who also has allergies. The allergist gave us a nasal spray, Flonase. This is the second steroid nasal spray he has had and it really elevates his blood sugars. Is there any other treatment out there that he can use instead?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Most nasal steroids don’t dramatically affect blood sugar like taking steroid pills can. There are other types of nasal steroids you might try that are not absorbed to the degree Flonase may be. In addition, there is a nasal antihistamine — Astelin — that your physician may wish for you to try if you continue to struggle with higher blood sugars on the nasal steroids. Any of these treatments will not be as effective unless they are used with an antihistamine that is taken by mouth.

MSB