Question about Prednisone – Diabetes – High Blood Sugar – Frequent Urination?
Oct 09, 2009 | Frequent Urination Sign Diabetes
I’m a 16 year old male. I have a brother who has type 1 diabetes. I was put on 60 mg of Prednisone for poison ivy on my face. I was put on that 5 days ago, and am now done with my treatment. At about day 3 of my treatment, I noticed more frequent urination. I tested my bloodsugar with my brother’s tester, and I had a reading of above 500. Later that night I was 495. In the morning following I was 219. Later that day after continuing my normal habits, I was 184.
I’m concerned because I don’t know if the sugar readings are because of my eating habits [Lots and lots of soda, all the time. And I had ice cream and dinner before I tested and was 500.]
I’ve been testing for ketones and have come up negative. I’m just wondering if I’m over reacting by thinking I may be diabetic myself and it is just a reaction to the Prednisone. Should I wait for a while to see if the frequent urination, chest pain, and high blood sugar [all known side effects of the drug] are nothing more than side effects
Something I really should mention; I myself am not a diabetic. I have tested my blood sugar years ago and was in normal range all the time.
And about 500 blood sugar having me in the emergency room [It was RIGHT after I had a bowl of ice cream, two pepsis, a cheese buger, and chips] And also, just a side story, my younger brother, when first diagnosed with diabetes, had a blood glucose level of 1,700. Yeah, rediculous, right? He was in THIRD GRADE. haha.
You should not bother testing yourself when you have just had a heavy meal. Test in the morning, before eating anything. That is the number that will tell you if you have a problem with sugar. It is wise to check this way regularly (3-4 times a year) if the disease is in your family, but the readings taken right after a meal are meaningless, and checking several times a day is really excessive.
You should consider improving your diet for the sake of your general health. And there is some strong evidence (not proof) that eating a lot of sugar can hasten the onset of diabetes in people who are genetically susceptible.
Prenisone has very nasty side effects when used long term, but the short-term use you describe should not cause any major trouble.
Test before breakfast. If the reading is over 124, test again before breakfast the next day. If it’s still over 124, go to a doctor. Do not test at any other time of day! If your before-breakfast reading is normal, don’t test again for 3 months.
Good luck!
October 9th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Yes, Prednisone will make your blood glucose levels high!
Test in the morning before you eat or drink anything. You should be back to normal.
References :
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/article.cfm?sid=5&tid=31&stid=51&aid=773
October 9th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
you should call your Doctor , and give him those readings .
If you had no previous symptoms I would hope its a sign of the prednisone and possibly bad meter readings . A true sugar reading of 500 should have you in the emergency room.
References :
October 9th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Side effects are upset stomach, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, bone pain (fracture), "coffee-ground" vomit, easy bruising/bleeding, heartburn, increased thirst and urination, irregular/fast/pounding heartbeat, menstrual period changes, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness/pain, persistent weight gain, puffy face, seizures, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), slow-healing wounds, stomach/abdominal pain, swelling of the feet/ankles, thinning skin, trouble breathing, unusual hair growth, unusual skin growths, vision changes.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
References :
http://www.webmd.com
October 9th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
You should not bother testing yourself when you have just had a heavy meal. Test in the morning, before eating anything. That is the number that will tell you if you have a problem with sugar. It is wise to check this way regularly (3-4 times a year) if the disease is in your family, but the readings taken right after a meal are meaningless, and checking several times a day is really excessive.
You should consider improving your diet for the sake of your general health. And there is some strong evidence (not proof) that eating a lot of sugar can hasten the onset of diabetes in people who are genetically susceptible.
Prenisone has very nasty side effects when used long term, but the short-term use you describe should not cause any major trouble.
Test before breakfast. If the reading is over 124, test again before breakfast the next day. If it’s still over 124, go to a doctor. Do not test at any other time of day! If your before-breakfast reading is normal, don’t test again for 3 months.
Good luck!
References :