Steroids are also called corticosteroids used for cancer treatment. They are beneficial to tackle chemotherapy drugs’ side effects or improve your appetite. Most people want to know about what is the effect of steroids in diabetes and how to deal with it. In this section, we are going to explain the same in a detailed manner.
Steroids and Diabetes –
If you have diabetes and take steroids, it can result in increased blood sugar levels. It happens since the liver creates more sugar while having steroid treatment. Because of steroids, it becomes tricky for your body to let sugar move out of the blood. Apart from it, your body probably becomes resistant to insulin.
It becomes a bit tricky to control your blood sugar level when you are on steroids. Most of you might be wondering how your blood sugar is affected. Well, there are various factors responsible for what is the effect of steroids on diabetes. Here, the prominent ones have been mentioned such as –
· What sort of steroids you are consuming currently
· Doses you are having of steroids
· It should be clear that what type of diabetes you have
· How you tackle your diabetes
· At what time do you take the steroids?
· How long you have been or will be taking steroid
What To Do If Your Blood Sugar Is Increased –
First, you need to consult with your doctor. Do not take any medicine or bring any change in your lifestyle without considering them. You need to see your doctor if you notice any of these things –
· If you find increased blood sugar more than 2 to 3 times
· If you feel sick or notice any diabetes symptoms like being quite thirsty, feeling quite tired, blurred vision, etc.
If your blood sugar level remains high constantly while on steroids, your doctor probably alters the dose. Or they may suggest different timing of having steroids. But you should not avoid any of these symptoms and see your doctor immediately. Follow whatever your doctor suggests you regarding Steroids and diabetes.
What to Consider While Having Steroids –
You need to consider how many days you will be taking the steroid. If you are supposed to take it only for a few days, then you do not need to worry about the hyperglycemia impact at all. But you must be aware of the short-term oriented consequences of high glucose. Here, we are going to mention Steroids and diabetes oriented tips you should keep in mind –
· You should keep yourself well hydrated by having sugar-free beverages.
· You should keep checking your glucose several times every day. You may also consider contacting the healthcare team if you have any doubts.
· Experts also advise keeping checking the ketones every 4-6 hours if your glucose level goes up to 240 mg/dL.
· You should also consult with your doctor if you find ketones in your urine in case the level remains moderate or higher.
· You must also consult with your provider in the context of insulin dose. Never ignore their advice. You may increase your insulin dose while taking steroids. But you must not forget to go back to usual once you stop steroids.
· You should discuss this with your healthcare provider before stopping steroids. Do not take any decision on your own.
When It Needs To Change Your Diabetes Treatment While Having Steroids –
You probably have to alter the way you tackle your diabetes. Your doctor will be suggesting the best after analyzing the condition thoroughly.
· Most people adhere to a particular diet so that their diabetes remains under control. If you start having steroids, then chances are high that you probably have to take tablets suggested by the doctor to get your blood sugar in control.
· If you already have been taking that tablet to keep your blood sugar in control then the amount of dose could be altered. Your doctor may also suggest you have insulin for a stipulated duration.
· If you already have been using insulin then you probably have to increase the dose. Your doctor may also suggest different insulin to control diabetes.
It is important to have an accurate dose of insulin so that high blood sugar could be controlled. Sometimes, it does not work when you are on steroids. It would be better to stay in touch with your diabetes team and keep following whatever they suggest to you. Follow the same if they ask you to have an increased dose of insulin.
When Should You Stop Steroids –
If you think that you can stop taking steroids whenever you want, you are a bit wrong. You should never stop them until your doctor suggests the same. Firstly, you need to consult with your doctor.
The steroid dose is an essential part of your cancer treatment. The dose could be mitigated and stopped as per the patient’s condition. You need to consult with your doctor so that needed changes could be done in your diabetes treatment.
Some patients have to take small doses of steroids for a long period. But you do not need to take extra stress. You need to stay in touch with your diabetes team. Follow constantly whatever they suggest to keep your blood sugar in control.
Sell Unused Diabetic Supplies Online To Help Others Too –
You are not the only one living with diabetes or taking steroids. Several people are going through the same condition all around the world. We need to be more empathetic. If you are having extra or unused diabetic supplies then you may sell them online at Sell My Strips. When you sell unused diabetic supplies, you do not get paid but you would be helping the needy ones as well.
Conclusion –
Before taking steroids, do not forget to remind your doctor that you are diabetic. Your doctor would be adjusting the dose accordingly so that risk of side effects could be minimized.
The shared information should be considered as a guide only. It should not be regarded as a piece of medical advice. You must consult with your doctor if you have any doubts or queries. Do follow accordingly.
