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Why Did I Get Elevated Blood Sugar After A Nerve Block?
Question: Why would i get elevated blood sugar after a nerve block?
Hi XXXXXXX
Kindly give some more details. There are many types of nerve blocks and it can be done in different areas of the body. Each nerve block has got a set of side effects. Some side-effects are common to all nerve blocks.
Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with the injection of medication into a specific area of the body. The injection of this nerve-numbing substance is called a "regional nerve blockade" or simply "nerve block".
Nerve blocks are achieved by combining a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) with epinephrine, a steroid (corticosteroid), and/or opioids. Epinephrine produces constriction of the blood vessels which delays the diffusion of the anesthetic. Steroids can help to reduce inflammation. Opioids are painkillers.
Steroids can cause increase in blood sugar.
Anticipating your response.
Kindly give some more details. There are many types of nerve blocks and it can be done in different areas of the body. Each nerve block has got a set of side effects. Some side-effects are common to all nerve blocks.
Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with the injection of medication into a specific area of the body. The injection of this nerve-numbing substance is called a "regional nerve blockade" or simply "nerve block".
Nerve blocks are achieved by combining a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) with epinephrine, a steroid (corticosteroid), and/or opioids. Epinephrine produces constriction of the blood vessels which delays the diffusion of the anesthetic. Steroids can help to reduce inflammation. Opioids are painkillers.
Steroids can cause increase in blood sugar.
Anticipating your response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had a facet joint nerve block on one side of my spine and 3 single nerve blocks on the other side of my spine. Bith were in the thoracic region and were to treat diabetic amyothrophy. They were anaesthetic and steroid combinations. My bllod sugar has elevated to between 14 and 26 mmol, my usual levels are 4-7. Is it the steroid causing this and how lond will the elevated bllod sugar levels last?
Hi XXXXXXX
Good to hear from you again.
Yes, there are possibilities of Blood Sugar levels raising due to Steroids. But due to injectable steroid in facet joint as done in yours is beyond my comprehension as it is rare for an injectable steroid in the joint to reach the blood stream and produce it effects.
You may need to get examined and evaluated by a Diabetologist / Endocrinologist to know the exact cause of High Blood sugar levels and to start you on Hypoglycemic medications like Insulin. Insulin is considered the main stream treatment in high Blood sugar levels as yours.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish you a good health.
Good to hear from you again.
Yes, there are possibilities of Blood Sugar levels raising due to Steroids. But due to injectable steroid in facet joint as done in yours is beyond my comprehension as it is rare for an injectable steroid in the joint to reach the blood stream and produce it effects.
You may need to get examined and evaluated by a Diabetologist / Endocrinologist to know the exact cause of High Blood sugar levels and to start you on Hypoglycemic medications like Insulin. Insulin is considered the main stream treatment in high Blood sugar levels as yours.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish you a good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi again
.you for your explanation. I am actually Type 1 IDDM and thus have taken insulin for 25 years. I am managing the raised blood glucose levels by a huge reduction in carbohydrate and increased doses of insulin. The blood elevated levels are still an issue especially at night which could be gluconeogenesis. My main question is how many days is this likely to continue for. I had the nerve blocks on the morning of the 13th May
.you for your explanation. I am actually Type 1 IDDM and thus have taken insulin for 25 years. I am managing the raised blood glucose levels by a huge reduction in carbohydrate and increased doses of insulin. The blood elevated levels are still an issue especially at night which could be gluconeogenesis. My main question is how many days is this likely to continue for. I had the nerve blocks on the morning of the 13th May
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back.
It should be normal by titrating up the insulin, but you must enquire with your operating surgeon about the steroid depot stores. High Blood Sugar will last till the steroid reaches the blood system.
Kindly increase your basal insulin (Lantus / Glargine) at night after discussing this with your doctor. That will cover the Gluconeogenesis.
Thanks for writing back.
It should be normal by titrating up the insulin, but you must enquire with your operating surgeon about the steroid depot stores. High Blood Sugar will last till the steroid reaches the blood system.
Kindly increase your basal insulin (Lantus / Glargine) at night after discussing this with your doctor. That will cover the Gluconeogenesis.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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