Blood sugar

[Janwhy]

hi, not been on here for sometime, I’ve been having a lot of problems with regulating my blood sugars. I’m type 2, have been on Glicglizide for a number if years, but recently been changed to Empagliflozin as my Hba1c was 72 before Christmas. I’m testing 8 when I get up, then before breakfast (and after coffee) 10+, 2 hours after breakfast of yogurt, berries and nuts it’s even higher sometimes 10 or 12. Not sure what’s going on. I’m cutting carbs, but it’s still going up throughout the day even if I don’t eat anything. I’m on long term steroids and asthma steroid inhalers, plus other Meds. Any thoughts greatly received.
Janwhy

 

[Ljc]

Hi Janwhy. I’ve read on Here many times that steroids can affect BG levels so I’m wondering if that is causing your problems

 

[Carolg]

Hello janwhy. Can’t help sorry

 

[trophywench]

Steroids always affect BG - so you may need extra help - it's not a failure on your part just one of those things - so get back to the docs and say what's happening, preferably show them your BG results so it's plain to see.

Diabetes can actually be caused by heavy steroid use and it's not unusual to need insulin to control the BG if the person has to rely on them for some other health problem. Higher than 'normal' BGs absolutely hinders the body to deal with the other health problem so it can become a vicious circle if it isn't nipped in the bud before it gets out of hand.

 

[Flower]

Here is a bit of advice from the Diabetes UK site

Steroids
Some conditions (eg Addison's disease, severe asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus) are treated with steroids. If you have diabetes, you may well find that your blood glucose levels rise while taking high doses of steroids for periods of time. This should not stop you taking steroids if your doctor has prescribed them, even if your blood glucose levels are affected, but you should discuss with your doctor how best to manage your diabetes while taking steroids. You may need an increase in medication or your medication to be changed. If the steroids have been prescribed for a short period to manage deterioration in your condition, your blood glucose levels will usually return to normal when you stop taking them.

 

[trophywench]

Thanks Flower - well that says you'll be told how, but plainly Janwhy hasn't, so she does have to ask!

 

[Janwhy]

Thanks for the replies, I think I have to go back to GP, I’m on long term Steroids as I have Sarcoidosis of the lungs and Rheumatoid Arthritis and inhalers for asthma, I also take Methotrexate and Benepali injections for RA. Have high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep apnea, dry eyes, emphysema, IBS, GERD,LPR to name a few. Not sure what to eat now, as everything I do seems to raise my blood sugars. Very frustrated at the moment, but will keep testing and changing diet until I get some resolution.
Janwhy