Hi, I have been really ill this year with double pneumonia and was prescribed with some pretty strong steroids along with antibiotics, both of which I have not really taken before. I had been off work since January and went back three weeks ago. My feet and my left hand where swollen so I went to my GP who then took blood and arranged for some xrays. Three days later I had urgent call from my GP who strongly advised I attend surgery immediately as had blood results in and needed to check things with me. From there I had to rush to hospital as levels where 148 and needed immediate help. It turned out the steroids had tipped the balance into diabetes favour. This is all new to me and feel a bit low. I have a great amazing family round me but feel like I have let them down. I know I can deal with this illness but am still in shock.
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Big shock
- Thread starter siambs
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Goodness what a scary time for you @siambs
Steroids are well known for raising BG levels, and steriod-induced diabetes is not uncommon. You shouldn’t feel guilt about your diabetes diagnosis - no one chooses diabetes, and some people just carry greater unmodifiable risk factors than others. Once you add steroids into the mix, it can be a tricky situation.
Do you know if they will be putting you on medication to try to bring your BG levels back into line?
When it comes to managing your diabetes, it’s best to make changes to your menu and activity levels gradually - partly because they need to be sustainable long term, but also because very rapid and sudden changes to blood glucose levels are harder on the fine blood vessels, and changing things more gently will give your body time to adapt.
Many newly diagnosed people find that it is the carbohydrates in their diet that most meed watching. While there are obvious things like cakes, biscuits, sweets and sugary drinks that you will be wanting to cut out straight away, you might be surprised how much *all* carbohydrate affects your BG levels, including rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, pastry, grains, cereals and many fruits.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach that works for everyone - so it is down to each individual to work out what works for them, and to discover how different amounts and types of carbohydrate affect their BG levels. A BG meter can be a really helpful tool in working this out for yourself.
Try not to feel disheartened but your diagnosis. You may later look back and see that this moment became a catalyst that spurred you into action towards a healthier and more active life.
Steroids are well known for raising BG levels, and steriod-induced diabetes is not uncommon. You shouldn’t feel guilt about your diabetes diagnosis - no one chooses diabetes, and some people just carry greater unmodifiable risk factors than others. Once you add steroids into the mix, it can be a tricky situation.
Do you know if they will be putting you on medication to try to bring your BG levels back into line?
When it comes to managing your diabetes, it’s best to make changes to your menu and activity levels gradually - partly because they need to be sustainable long term, but also because very rapid and sudden changes to blood glucose levels are harder on the fine blood vessels, and changing things more gently will give your body time to adapt.
Many newly diagnosed people find that it is the carbohydrates in their diet that most meed watching. While there are obvious things like cakes, biscuits, sweets and sugary drinks that you will be wanting to cut out straight away, you might be surprised how much *all* carbohydrate affects your BG levels, including rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, pastry, grains, cereals and many fruits.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach that works for everyone - so it is down to each individual to work out what works for them, and to discover how different amounts and types of carbohydrate affect their BG levels. A BG meter can be a really helpful tool in working this out for yourself.
Try not to feel disheartened but your diagnosis. You may later look back and see that this moment became a catalyst that spurred you into action towards a healthier and more active life.
trophywench
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
My husband has COPD these days and picked up yet another course of antibiotics and steroids only today - since I have the wherewithal at my fingertips, he tests his own blood glucose occasionally to make sure he isn't stepping into the territory. His mother became diabetic in her late 60s/early 70s and his dad died of pancreatic cancer in his 60s so we don't assume anything. Having other things go wrong which lower the body's ability to generally cope often comes with side effects.
Don't see how you could have avoided what your body decided to do, frankly, so for goodness sake try and wipe those thoughts out of your brain and instead put your effort into preventing it getting out of hand - which we'll all help you with where and when we can!
Don't see how you could have avoided what your body decided to do, frankly, so for goodness sake try and wipe those thoughts out of your brain and instead put your effort into preventing it getting out of hand - which we'll all help you with where and when we can!
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