Bharat Sharma Bharat Sharma Asked 4 months ago

Can prednisolone cause diabetes?

I've been on prednisolone for chronic asthma for almost a year. My sugar levels have been a bit high lately in checkups. I'm concerned if this medicine can cause diabetes.

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6 answers

Kiran Rao Kiran Rao Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago
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Yes, prednisolone definitely raises blood sugar levels significantly. Make sure you monitor your glucose levels daily while you are on this medication.

Anil Kulkarni Anil Kulkarni Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

It is true that steroids can temporarily increase your sugar levels, which is called steroid-induced diabetes. Please don't worry too much, as it often goes back to normal after the dosage is tapered off under your doctor's care.

Deepika Fernandes Deepika Fernandes Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Yes, prednisolone can trigger diabetes, especially if you are already prediabetic or have a family history. Please get a fasting blood sugar and HbA1c test done immediately, and keep sharing the reports with your physician to prevent any sudden spikes.

Gaurav Taneja Gaurav Taneja Joined May 2026 4 months ago

My sugar shot up to 310 last month when I was on a high dose of prednisolone for an allergy. I panicked, but my doctor adjusted my diet and gave me a temporary medication. Once I finished the steroid course, my levels came back to normal within two weeks.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Shaji Mathew Shaji Mathew Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

As someone who deals with medicines daily, I can tell you that steroid-induced hyperglycemia is very common. Prednisolone makes your liver release more glucose and makes your cells resistant to insulin. Just consult your doctor; they might need to temporarily add a sugar-controlling pill.

Sunita Gupta Sunita Gupta Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

Yes, it absolutely can. Being a diabetic myself, my doctor warned me to be extremely careful with prednisolone as it spikes sugar instantly. If you have to take it, strictly avoid sweets, reduce simple carbs like maida and rice, and keep a close eye on your glucometer readings.

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