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Fantasia

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi everyone
I have joined this forum as I have recently been diagnosed as “pre-diabetic”
I am only just within the pre-diabetic range and this is as a result of being on steroids for over 6 years for an auto-immune condition, so I have early stage “steroid induced diabetes”
I am otherwise fit, walk a minimum of 2-3 miles every day, on a healthy low carb, low fat diet and have a very low BMI
I am not sure how I can improve my situation, but welcome the support of this forum.
Thank you.
 
Welcome @Fantasia 🙂 I’m not sure if there’s much you can do about steroid-induced diabetes/prediabetes apart from eating healthily and exercising, which it sounds like you’re doing.

Are you still on the steroids?
 
Thank you for your response.
Unfortunately I am still on steroids at 4.5mg a day, which barely keeps the pain and inflammation under control. When I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia in 2015, it was expected to last 1-2 years before it burned itself out, but it is still present, which is extremely disappointing given that I also take Methotrexate each week!
I was given to understand that I was only at risk of Type 2 diabetes in the early stages of my autoimmune condition when I was on a high level of steroids, so it is frustrating to say the very least that I am currently in the pre-diabetic range at this time.
Apparently this could return to normal once I stop the steroids, but this is not guaranteed.
 
That must make it hard @Fantasia Pain is very wearing on a daily basis. I know you said you’re just in the pre-diabetic range. Presumably you were diagnosed from an HbA1C? I wonder if you might find a home glucose meter useful so that you can test to see if there are any particular foods or meals your body is struggling with more than others?

Are you following any particular diet to try to help the polymyalgia?
 
Yes, I had an HbA1C blood test about a month ago.
I have spent a lot of time researching anti-inflammatory diets since 2017, so I am aware of what foods are helpful to me! To be honest, my diet has always been reasonably healthy as I dislike most of the things that are bad for you! Fortunately, occasional red wine and dark chocolate is good for you
I will investigate a home glucose meter, as I think this would be really helpful, thank you.
 
Welcome to the forum @Fantasia .

I am glad that you have found us. It is good to hear that you already have a good diet and that will help you when starting to make changes. We all react differently to the carbs we eat and what suits one person will spike another’s glucose levels. I was surprised at how I reacted to porridge oats, so eliminated that and replaced it with a cereal I make based on quinoa flakes instead. This halved my carbs and got rid of my morning spikes.

By testing as @Inka has suggested you will be able to find out what works for you. Then making swaps to lower carb options and/or reducing the portion sizes can help you to reduce your overall levels.

Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
 
Hi Fantasia.
I am in a similar position to you. Diagnosed pre diabetic in 2017 I lost 2 stone in weight and radically changed my diet and my HbA1C went down. Last October I was diagnosed with polymyalgia and am now on 7mg steroids a day. The GP warned me that it might affect my blood sugar levels and I am currently trying to get an appointment to have a HbA1C test. I have a meter and am testing but despite not having changed my eating habits and still getting a sensible amount of exercise my finger prick tests are rising and are somewhat erratic. Must admit I am also very stressed at the moment due to family problems so that may be affecting my levels. Think I may be heading towards medication :-(
Like you I have been told my diabetes may go into remission if and when I get off the steroids. I would also say that I got a huge amount of support from this site when I was first diagnosed, so you have come to the right place 🙂
 
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