Steroid-induced diabetes

They are man-made versions of the hormone cortisol which is created by the human body in the adrenal glands (two small glands at the top of the kidneys). Taking corticosteroids causes the body to slow down production of, or stop making, cortisol. The body then receives the cortisol it needs from the corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring hormone cortisol, which is produced in the body by the adrenal glands.

The appropriate individual dose must be determined by trial and error and must be re-evaluated regularly according to activity of the disease.
You may also have heard of anabolic steroids, which are sometimes used without medical advice to increase muscle mass.
The renal clearance of salicylates is increased by corticosteroids and steroid withdrawal may result in salicylate intoxication.
Establishment of secondary fungal and viral infections of the eye may also be enhanced in patients receiving glucocorticoids.

Effects on your mood can happen quite suddenly and improve once you stop taking steroids. Nonetheless, it can be unsettling to experience changes in mood. Let your medical team know how you are feeling so that they can help to manage these side effects of steroids. If your side effects are severe, they might lower your dose of steroids.

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Reactions are common and may occur in both adults and children. In adults, the frequency of severe reactions has been estimated to be 5-6%. Psychological effects have been reported on withdrawal of corticosteroids; the frequency is unknown.

Please encourage all women to complete an online reporting form.
This recommendation refers to direct levels administered to the child and not to the level being taken by a breastfeeding mother.
You could also contact our specialist Helpline nurses for more information and support.
Do I need to keep having an osteoporosis drug treatment if I’m no longer on steroids?

Prednisolone is extensively bound to plasma proteins and passes into breastmilk in small quantities. High-dose steroids (more than 40 mg) are rarely necessary long term and so can be used in breastfeeding. It’s important to seek medical advice before stopping or making any changes to your medication.

Prednisolone image

If you do need a steroid card, make sure you always carry it with you. If you lose it, you can get a replacement from your pharmacy or GP. Find out more about multigametables your preventer inhaler and possible side effects here. Talk to a doctor if you (or someone taking this medicine), show any signs of mental problems.

Patients/carers should be encouraged to seek medical advice if worrying psychological symptoms develop, especially if depressed mood or suicidal ideation is suspected. Chickenpox is of particular concern since this normally minor illness may be fatal in immunosuppressed patients. If a diagnosis of chickenpox is confirmed, the illness warrants specialist care and urgent treatment.

If you are only taking steroids for a short period of time, you may not need treatment. This is because your blood sugar levels should go back to a healthy range once you have finished your course of steroids. Many people will find that their blood sugar levels return to a healthy range when they stop taking steroids. But for others, steroid-induced diabetes can continue even after you’ve stopped your treatment.

Your doctor might ask you to check your blood sugar levels while on steroids. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to let your GP know. It is unlikely that your child will have side-effects if they only take prednisolone for a few days.