Steroids

I have been using asthma inhalers for decades, so I cannot really say how much difference they make to my blood glucose numbers.
The way asthma treatment was explained to me is that if I use the preventer (Forstair 200/6) correctly, then I would hardly ever need to use the reliever (Salamol CFC-Free).
One thing that has also helped me is that I do Tai Chi. Tai Chi training has helped me to breath correctly.
Good luck with acquiring your correct medication soon.

I have been on steroid inhalers since my asthma diagnosis in 2017, I was diagnosed with diabetes 5 months later. I asked if the steroid inhaler might have caused the diabetes and was told no. I use a Fostair breath activated inhaler these days so no propellant gases in it.

Lainie71 said:

I have been put on a new inhaler as I could not get my normal preventer due to stock issues. I have had quite a few problems with breathing with the replacements so have been prescribed Symbicort Turbohaler. I am just concerned my levels which have been hit and miss due to being poorly, will still misbehave when I am feeling 100% Just wondered if anyone else is on this inhaler and interested inn their readings. I am desperate to start working out again and plan to start next week, all being well. The new inhaler is an interim until my normal one is available which is worrying, as its not been available anywhere and I cannot take anything with cfs in.

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Hi @Lainie71

I use Symbicort Turbohaler. Have since 2004, when it was discovered that in addition to my many other allergies, the CFC propellant in the prescribed inhalers were making my breathing difficulties much worse.

With Symbicort, I have reduced the dose to a quarter of the original two x twice a day to one, just in the morning. I haven’t needed a reliever inhaler for over five years, even when I had covid.

I would add that I am on high dose antihistamines and antileuketrine meds daily, to control a rare disorder that causes extreme allergic reactions to all sorts of allergens ( known and unknown triggers) . However. The reactions are mainly skin rashes rather than breathing difficulties since change of inhalers.

I do sometimes need steroid tablets for allergies, but stress that the breathing (diagnosed as asthma, but I have mydoubts, over 30 years ago) is no longer a problem, since usingSymbicort and the addition of Oral meds Fexofenidine, and Montelukast.

I also swim regularly and take part in aquafit sessions, which helps my breathing, by increasing lung capacity. I do find I am allergic to some smells, perfumes, cleaning fluids, but reactions are more rashes and skin flushing than asthma type reactions.