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

What Causes Extreme Hunger, Feeling Of Low Blood Sugar When Taking Prednisone?

Im currently taking prednisone. I am experiencing extreme hunger since iv'e started taking it. It' almost if blood sugar is low at times. I also am pitting edema of my lower extremities. I have had some edema in the past, but never when i've taken prednisone. What's going on??
Wed, 26 Feb 2014
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi there,

Thanks for your query.

Some of the side effects of Prednisone are,
* increased blood sugar levels which may unmask a latent diabetes; and

* water retention in the body, which accumulate particularly in the feet/lower limbs (pitting edema) due to gravity.

Excessive hunger is a manifestation of elevated blood sugar (diabetes). You should therefore get your blood sugar checked to see if you have developed Prednisone-induced diabetes.

Both side effects tend to regress following withdrawal of Prednisone.

Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me and will prescribe the advised drugs in appropriate doses.

If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.

Take care

Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. 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
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Prednisolone


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Extreme Hunger, Feeling Of Low Blood Sugar When Taking Prednisone?

Hi there, Thanks for your query. Some of the side effects of Prednisone are, * increased blood sugar levels which may unmask a latent diabetes; and * water retention in the body, which accumulate particularly in the feet/lower limbs (pitting edema) due to gravity. Excessive hunger is a manifestation of elevated blood sugar (diabetes). You should therefore get your blood sugar checked to see if you have developed Prednisone-induced diabetes. Both side effects tend to regress following withdrawal of Prednisone. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me and will prescribe the advised drugs in appropriate doses. If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating) to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries. Take care Dr. Rakesh Karanwal