4 min learnNew DelhiFeb 22, 2026 06:00 AM IST
For many individuals residing with diabetes, being prescribed steroids can really feel worrying. These drugs are recognized to lift blood sugar ranges, and sufferers usually ponder whether taking them is protected in any respect. In line with Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology and weight-loss professional at Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of the Rang De Neela Initiative, steroids will be safely utilized in individuals with diabetes when medically needed and beneath correct supervision.
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When steroids turn into important
Steroids are sometimes life-saving or disease-controlling medicines and could also be unavoidable in a number of conditions. They’re generally prescribed throughout acute bronchial asthma exacerbations, power obstructive airway illness flare-ups, extreme allergy symptoms, autoimmune problems reminiscent of ulcerative colitis, sure infections, most cancers remedy, and post-transplant care.
Dr Kovil explains, “Steroids will be safely utilized in individuals with diabetes when clinically needed and beneath medical supervision.” He provides that quick programs are typically metabolically safer, although in unavoidable conditions they might be prescribed for six weeks to three months with shut monitoring. Importantly, steroids ought to by no means be began, stopped, or tapered with out medical steerage.
Sufferers with diabetes ought to ideally seek the advice of their diabetologist earlier than or instantly after beginning steroids (Picture: Unsplash)
How steroids have an effect on blood sugar
Steroids improve blood glucose ranges by inflicting insulin resistance and growing hepatic glucose manufacturing. Quick-term results usually embody speedy post-meal spikes, notably with intermediate-acting steroids reminiscent of prednisolone, whereas long-acting steroids like dexamethasone could cause extended hyperglycaemia all through the day.
Over the long run, steroid remedy might contribute to weight acquire, osteoporosis, muscle weak spot, Cushingoid options, and even secondary steroid-induced diabetes. The extent of glucose rise varies relying on dose, length, timing, and a person’s insulin reserve.
Does the kind of steroid matter?
Sure, the metabolic affect differs by route of administration. Oral and injectable steroids generally result in important will increase in blood glucose, whereas inhaled steroids used for bronchial asthma or COPD typically have minimal systemic metabolic results at customary doses, although high-dose or extended use can sometimes affect glucose management.
As a result of responses differ, sufferers with diabetes ought to monitor their glucose ranges every time steroid remedy is initiated or modified.
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Precautions diabetics ought to observe
Sufferers ought to ideally seek the advice of their diabetologist earlier than or instantly after beginning steroids. Blood sugar monitoring needs to be intensified, particularly after meals, as steroid-induced hyperglycaemia is usually postprandial. Some sufferers might quickly require insulin remedy, even when they have been beforehand managed on oral drugs. Ample hydration, balanced carbohydrate consumption, and avoiding extreme refined sugars are additionally advisable.
When to contact a health care provider urgently
Sufferers ought to search rapid medical recommendation if blood glucose persistently exceeds 250–300 mg/dL, or if signs reminiscent of extreme thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, belly ache, breathlessness, confusion, or extreme weak spot happen. Sudden low sugar ranges throughout steroid tapering, infections, fever, swelling, extreme gastritis, or lack of ability to eat or drink correctly additionally require immediate session.
As Dr Kovil notes, “The advantages usually outweigh the dangers when steroids are lifesaving or disease-controlling.” With cautious medical supervision, shut glucose monitoring, and applicable medicine changes, individuals with diabetes can safely obtain steroid remedy when it’s clinically needed.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
