HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Steroids Cause Elevated Blood Sugar Levels?

default
Posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2017
Question: I am diabetic, my glucose level had been quite good (last A1c- 620) was recently treated for carpal tunnel with a steriod regiment for about 5 days. My blood sugar has spiked to 260 and Tresiba injections have not brought blood sugar levels down. Should I increase Tresiba units, currently at 16
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, your dosage has to be increased!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Steroids cause blood sugars to spike. Your doctor should have forewarned and provide a protocol to increase drug dosage as necessary. Your dosage has to be increased in the interim to allow for immediate control and then followed by monitoring to make further adjustments.

Start by increases of 2units. Notify your doctor and keep a log book of blood sugar measurements. We will follow through for review and further guidance.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Diabetologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can Steroids Cause Elevated Blood Sugar Levels?

Brief Answer: Yes, your dosage has to be increased! Detailed Answer: Hi, Steroids cause blood sugars to spike. Your doctor should have forewarned and provide a protocol to increase drug dosage as necessary. Your dosage has to be increased in the interim to allow for immediate control and then followed by monitoring to make further adjustments. Start by increases of 2units. Notify your doctor and keep a log book of blood sugar measurements. We will follow through for review and further guidance. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.