Steroid-Induced Diabetes
What is steroid-induced diabetes?
Steroid induced diabetes can occur when someone is taking corticosteroid therapy for a medical condition, such as an organ transplant. Steroids like prednisone are essential medicines used to control swelling and inflammation. But, they can also cause high blood sugars by increasing the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream by the liver.
Steroids increase blood sugar by making it difficult for the body to use the insulin it is producing. Some people can produce extra insulin to balance these effects and maintain normal sugar levels, but those who cannot develop steroid-induced diabetes. If you develop steroidinduced high blood sugar, you will need to give yourself insulin shots at home. Often this is a temporary condition, and insulin shots can stop when the steroid treatment is done. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels and to give yourself extra insulin as needed when taking steroids.
What are the dangers of high blood sugars while taking steroids?
High blood sugar levels increase your risk of infections, in particular, fungus infections. If you are immunocompromised or have a central intravenous line, you are especially at risk.
What do I do while tapering my steroids?
Your need for extra insulin may change as your steroids are tapered (when the dose is slowly lowered). It is very important to keep checking and calling or emailing in your blood sugars to the Blood Sugar Line at 206-987-5452 or [email protected] as your steroid dose is being tapered.
To Learn More
- Endocrinology
206-987-2640 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
