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Steroids

VashtiB

Well-Known Member
Retired Moderator
Messages
2,378
Location
Australia
Treatment type
Diet only
Well I've had Avery sore are/elbow for a couple of months now. I've had an ultrasound still waiting for it to get to the doctor for an official result but the radiographer indicated it was arthritis. I've been using painkillers and anti-inflammatories with no real help. I've 'doctor googled' and it appears that steroids may be prescribed which now I think about it the doctor suggested when referring me. Does anyone know what effect they may have on blood sugar levels? I don't really trust a doctor to know enough to discuss so want to have some ideas when discussing options.
 
Sorry your arm/elbow is so painful, and hope you can get some relief from whatever treatment is offered. Whenever I've had to take steroids, they really raise my blood sugar unfortunately. It would obviously depend on the dosage and how long you were on them, as sometimes quite short courses are prescribed. Steroid injections are another option, but again they raise my blood sugar. They may affect you differently of course, but I think in general they raise blood sugar. Sorry, I know this isn't what you wanted to hear.
 
I’ve never taken steroid tablets regularly for my arthritis but I have had several steroid injections over the years, some before I was diagnosed type 2 and a few afterwards. I found my blood sugars were elevated from my normal, but still mostly within the desired levels ie under 8.5 after meals. This went on for about 10 days then they settled back to where they were.
 
Thank you- that's what I suspected- the pain is currently raising my levels and is making me lose sleep so it's a balancing act. It just means I'm more aware of what the balancing factors are. More information is never a bad thing.

Thank you
 
Sorry to hear this @VashtiB

Steroids can push up blood glucose. I had a steroid injection for trigger thumb a couple of years ago, and was quite fortunate that the biggest spike was in the waiting room due to nerves about the pain! I think those needing to take prednisone or similar more regularly see bigger spikes/longer term rises.

Is it osteo or rheumatoid arthritis? My osteoarthritis (knee and hands) is markedly improved on carnivore - doesn’t have to be 100% of the time, but when I start eating veg/nuts too regularly, the pain comes back. Might be worth a try - does limit what you eat but better than steroids!
 
I think it will be osteoporosis- will have to try that- I was heading that way so definitely worth trying. Not a big fan of having to have pills or injections if I can avoid it at all.
 
VashtiB said:
I think it will be osteoporosis- will have to try that- I was heading that way so definitely worth trying. Not a big fan of having to have pills or injections if I can avoid it at all.
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Living in pain though, you did say that was driving up your blood levels… it is not good what you are going through and hopefully you can get some advice on the impacts when you know the treatments recommended.

How is your relationship with the medical team? Have you raised concerns with them as to how it might impact?
 
I'm in the middle of changing doctors which is more complications. My GP really really didn't like keto and I spent most appointments having to justify that while she made me feel bad. Before my diabetes diagnosis sis she was great but since then.... well I've put off my last HbA1c for 6 months now because she made me feel so bad. Not great. I now have to find a new doctor. I've made an appointment with one so I will see how that goes. The arthritis is a drop in medical entry as the pain became too much. It's about 50 minutes drive from home so not really convenient since I live remotely and catch a bus- only 3 each way a day.
 
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