Can Steroid Eye Drops And Nasal Sprays Alleviate Diabetes Readings ?

Posted on Thu, 3 May 2012

Question: Can steroid eye drops and steroid nasal sprays elevate diabetes readings? I presently use both of these items and my sugars seem to be all over the map.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (18 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

The steroid nasal sprays and eye drops though both of them are being used locally but they are well absorbed into the systemic circulation causing raised levels in the blood and producing side effects similar to those seen with systemic steroid therapy.

Glucocorticosteroids (steroids) have profound effects on glucose metabolism, particularly on postprandial hyperglycemia. The fasting blood glucose is also raised but to a lesser extent. Steroids induce a state of relative insulin resistance leading to hyperglycemia.

You need to increase your doses of anti hyperglycemia agents that you are taking in consultation with your physician.

I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. If there are additional concerns, I am available for your followups.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Do antihyperglycemic meds refer only to Lantus or to both Lantus and Novolog?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 hours later)

Hello.

Thanks for writing back.
Lantus and novolog both are insulins - one is short acting and the other is longer acting. Both of them need to be increased in doses to regain the control over diabetes.
Sincerely hope it will help.
Wishing you an early recovery.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar