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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Cortisone Be Substituted With A Better Steroid To Control The Sugar Levels?

I have type 2 diabetes and have been on medication (glyburide and now Mediformin) or 12 years; I am now 82. I need to take cortisone about every three-four months, but following a shot, my glucose readings spike. This morning it was 265 after yesterday s shot; the usual readings are in the 130s for the last several months. Previously the morning readings were in the 120s. Otherwise, I am in excellent health, eat well, and walk about two hours every day. Question: is there a better sterioid than cortisone for diabetes patients? thank you, Nancy Cella
Tue, 13 Dec 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello Dear. All corticosteroids like cortisone or prednisolone causes the same level of raise of blood sugar. There is nothing like a better substitute for cortisone. Some of the tips i would like to suggest you are

1. Plan to take your blood sugar more frequently while taking steroids (3-6x/day)
2. Be especially careful with maintaining your eating plan designed for your diabetes. If you eat
a lot of carbohydrates or larger portions your sugar will rise faster.
3. If on oral pills to treat your diabetes know what pill to increase if blood sugars get above a
certain level.
4. If on insulin be sure to have a sliding scale of how to dose your insulin if your blood sugar gets
above a certain level.
5. If on an insulin pump frequent correction boluses may need to be done.
6 . The healthcare provider may need to call the person that manages your diabetes for exact
information if at a urgent care or emergency room.
7. If recommended to take steroids for a extended time (more then 5-10 days) make an
appointment with your diabetes provider to develop a long term plan.

Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Can Cortisone Be Substituted With A Better Steroid To Control The Sugar Levels?

Hello Dear. All corticosteroids like cortisone or prednisolone causes the same level of raise of blood sugar. There is nothing like a better substitute for cortisone. Some of the tips i would like to suggest you are 1. Plan to take your blood sugar more frequently while taking steroids (3-6x/day) 2. Be especially careful with maintaining your eating plan designed for your diabetes. If you eat a lot of carbohydrates or larger portions your sugar will rise faster. 3. If on oral pills to treat your diabetes know what pill to increase if blood sugars get above a certain level. 4. If on insulin be sure to have a sliding scale of how to dose your insulin if your blood sugar gets above a certain level. 5. If on an insulin pump frequent correction boluses may need to be done. 6 . The healthcare provider may need to call the person that manages your diabetes for exact information if at a urgent care or emergency room. 7. If recommended to take steroids for a extended time (more then 5-10 days) make an appointment with your diabetes provider to develop a long term plan. Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you. All the best With warm regards Dr Sanjay Kini