Does Intake Of Prednisone Help In Treating Type 1 Diabetes?

Posted on Sat, 14 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 14 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : 19y/o female has had swollen glands for 3weeks. Neg. for mono prescribed prednisone x1daily. She is type 1diabetic will this help her. What should she expect

Where is the answer by Dr. XXXXXXX Varshney

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Glucose rise

Detailed Answer:
The prednisone will likely raise her blood glucoses. She should monitor her finger stick glucose levels more frequently and dose insulin according to her endocrinologists' instructions.
Doses for each individual are tailored to their insulin requirements based on long tern close follow up.
Considering she has type 1 and is possibly harboring infection, in addition to receiving steroids, she is at a heightened risk for DKA (Diabetic Keto Acidosis), so it is important she checks her sugars regularly through out this time, and check for ketones if glucoses exceed 250 mg/dl

She should be seeing an Internist or Infectious disease specialist for her acute illness too.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (23 hours later)

She was given zpac last week. Levels a little high today should she be feeling better by now. Said glands behind ears have have gone down, but ones in front still there.. My question would be should she be ferling better soon?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
That depends on a host of factors that include physical examination findings and lab picture.
An infectious disease consult may help

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