Mohan Joshi Mohan Joshi Asked 4 months ago

Can steroids cause diabetes?

I'm currently on steroids for a severe asthma flare-up. My blood sugar levels have started to creep up, even though I don't have diabetes. Could the steroids be causing me to develop high blood sugar?

10

10 answers

Satish Kamat Satish Kamat Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago
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Yes, steroid-induced diabetes is a very real thing. My sugar shot up to 350 when I was on Prednisolone last year. My tip is to monitor your blood sugar daily at home, cut down heavily on simple carbs, and ask your doctor if you need temporary insulin or metformin.

Varun Malhotra Varun Malhotra Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Hey buddy, don't stress too much about this. Yes, steroids can spike your sugar levels while you are taking them, but it usually goes back to normal once the dose is finished. Just keep an eye on your diet and chat with your doctor if you feel too thirsty or tired.

Ritu Sharma Ritu Sharma Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

I absolutely panicked when my husband's blood sugar crossed 280 during his steroid therapy. But the doctor reassured us that this is a temporary reaction called steroid-induced hyperglycemia. Once the steroid course ended and we tapered the dose, his sugar levels came back to normal.

Amit Rawat Amit Rawat Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

Steroids make your liver release extra glucose, which can lead to diabetes if not managed. To combat this, I highly recommend doing a 30-minute post-meal walk if your health condition allows. Staying active helps your muscles absorb that extra glucose naturally.

Ananya Sen Ananya Sen Joined May 2026 4 months ago

My physician explained that steroids cause insulin resistance, which means your body can't use insulin effectively, leading to high sugar. He told us that patients with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk of developing steroid-induced diabetes, so a baseline HbA1c is a must before starting.

Madan Lal Madan Lal Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Haan, steroids se sugar badh toh jati hai, par iska ilaaj mushkil nahi hai. Hamare ghar me jab pitaji ko steroids dene pade, toh humne unhe refined sugar bilkul band kar di aur roz subah karele ka juice dena shuru kiya. Isse sugar control me rahi.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Vikram Sethi Vikram Sethi Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

Steroids are a double whammy—they increase your blood sugar and make you crave high-carb food like parathas and sweets! It is tough to control, but you have to be very strict with your diet during this period. Try snacking on roasted chana instead of biscuits.

Pooja Hegde Pooja Hegde Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

I get so anxious whenever my doctor mentions steroids because diabetes runs in my family. I constantly worry that one short course will make me diabetic forever. If you are also scared, just know that monitoring is our best weapon. We are in this together, stay strong!

Sujata Barua Sujata Barua Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

If you are starting a long steroid course, invest in a home glucometer which costs around 800 rupees. Testing outside daily is too expensive. Checking your sugar at home 2-3 times a week helps you catch any spike early without spending a fortune on lab tests.

Karthik Raja Karthik Raja Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Yes, steroids definitely impact insulin sensitivity. I tracked my dad's blood glucose levels using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) app when he was on Dexona. It was super helpful to see exactly which meals caused the highest spikes alongside the medication.

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