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Increase in blood sugars due to steroids

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Ruth k

Ruth k

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I have been doing fine on 1 Metformin a day and lowering my carbs with great readings from 4.4- 7 or lower.Then bad chest so on steroids and I was shocked that while my morning readings were fine, afternoons went up to 10/11 ! .I knew the steroids increased during the day as evenings reading are fine.Just wondered if I take my Metformin at lunchtime will it help just while I am on Steroids?. Any ideas?
 
It sounds like a strategy worth trying Ruth but maybe a call to your doctor to check it out first. I'm not on Metformin but was given it initially and timing was never given that specifically to me. Steroids are notorious for raising BG's so you might have to weather the hike until your chest infection clears. Best wishes.
 
Thanks for your advice, I might call the GP. He said taking it with a large meal was best to prevent problems with stomach and wind. I used to take it at breakfast but I suffered so he said take it with your biggest meal which was in the evening. Did not realise the hike was so big! Luckily I am off them in a couple of days.
 
I feel for you. I've been on long term steroids for 8years my dose ranges for 10-60mg my sugars can go into 20's when on high dose. I tend to increase my background insulin if that doesn't work I increase my quick acting at lunch and dinner.

As you aren't on insulin it dose sound like a resonable plan to take metformin at lunch time.

Steroids always make me really hungry. Good luck.
 
Taking the metformin at lunch time will do diddly squat I'm afraid. You are very lucky it has only gone up to 10/11 as most will go a lot higher. Only suggestion I can make is to make sure you have a very low carb breakfast as bloods tend to peak about midday when on pred. For me personally I just start an increased basal at about 10AM so it whacks the pred blood sugar rise on the head.
 
It's never easy, but it is easier if you are on insulin. TG you've nearly finished the course. Metformin doesn't reduce BGs, only makes it a bit easier for your body to use your own insulin.

If you have to go on them again - do ask whoever prescribes them for something else to help with the spikes, if possible. I mean if you were on them more longer term - they'd have to.
 
Thanks for all the replies .Pleased to say a day after stopping the Prednisalone, my bs went back to what they used to be !! Will have to think what to do next time as normally I am on longer dose. Maybe the GP will have some ideas.
 
Glad you are feeling better @Ruth k hopefully there wont be a next time for another steroid course 🙂
 
Ruth k said:
Thanks for all the replies .Pleased to say a day after stopping the Prednisalone, my bs went back to what they used to be !! Will have to think what to do next time as normally I am on longer dose. Maybe the GP will have some ideas.
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Good to hear Ruth 🙂
 
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