- Allergy and lung disorders
- Muscle and joint pain
- Rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
- Skin diseases, such eczema, hives, and severe psoriasis
- Eye allergies and inflammation
- Nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral edema
“Some people with diabetes may be able to tolerate steroids without needing to adjust treatments or medications, but some people with diabetes may experience high blood glucose levels and will need medication adjustments,” says Grace.
“The steroids that get into your general blood circulation usually have the biggest impact on your blood glucose levels,” says Grace. “Those would be oral steroids, sometimes injectable steroids (if they get outside of where they are injected), and possibly inhaled steroids.” Topical steroids, such as creams and lotions, are less likely to affect blood sugar levels because they do not enter the bloodstream.
Steroid treatment may also bring other changes that affect diabetes management: “Steroids … could cause you to be hungrier and disrupt your sleep,” says Grace. “In addition, most ailments we treat with steroids — knee pain, respiratory problems, etc. — can make physical activity more difficult.” A lack of sleep or exercise can also contribute to rising blood sugar levels, as can a change in your diet.
Because individual responses to steroids can vary so widely, it’s important to collaborate with your healthcare team and monitor your blood sugar. “The key to treating any type of diabetes is knowing what your blood glucose is doing in real time,” says Grace. “The best way to know if you will need to adjust your medications is to monitor your blood glucose levels very closely, preferably with a CGM.”
