Diabetes and steroids

[Ivostas66]

Anyone have any advice or experience that can help?

I have been unwell since the start of November with a really bad cough and rather severe shortness of breath. After ECGs and all sorts of other tests, they're fairly certain that I have inflamed airways. I was asthmatic as a child and it seems like it has returned with a vengeance. Anyway, I have been put on steroids. I told the specialist I was T1 diabetic as I know that steroids can affect control of the condition. He has put me on a Symbicort inhaler, stating that it's the least likely to cause complications with my diabetes management.

In general, I have been fairly stable in terms of BG levels, but a few days recently have seen rather big spikes and occasional drops (18 mmol/l after lunch yesterday dropping to 4 an hour later - a similar story the day before that and also today I am stuck above 10mmol/l).

 

[trophywench]

Well, if you're going to be taking them/using them for long, you'll need to adjust your dose(s) of insulin - but as you're using two insulins I've never had experience of plus I've never needed to use steroids long term - I'm pretty bereft of anything that might help - sorry! Ring your diabetes clinic and ask them - cos they know you and your body so should be able to advise.

 

[Ivostas66]

Well, if you're going to be taking them/using them for long, you'll need to adjust your dose(s) of insulin - but as you're using two insulins I've never had experience of plus I've never needed to use steroids long term - I'm pretty bereft of anything that might help - sorry! Ring your diabetes clinic and ask them - cos they know you and your body so should be able to advise.

Thank you! I have an online meeting on Monday regarding potentially moving to a pump (they think my control is too good to 'qualify' but are pushing for it on my behalf) so I can ask the DSNs in attendance.