[Diabetes-Talk] Steroid Induced Diabetes

[Mary Wilson]

Hi,

Does anyone else here have steroid induced diabetes? I developed it after a lot of prednisone use due to severe and persistent eosinophilic asthma. 

I had a Cortizone injection in my shoulder last week. The doctor told me it would increase my glucose for several days. I am one week out and still have elevated glucose.

I am not on insulin, but my doctor is considering having me use that going forward whenever I take prednisone. I used to take metformin and Trulicity but am only on Trulicity right now. I am hoping to get off all diabetes medication except when I mine steroids, but I don’t know if that’s realistic.

When I am on prednisone, my doctors increase my diabetes meds. That has led me to having extremely low blood sugars. I have had several under 50. My doctor is hoping using insulin well on prednisone might be a better solution.

Is there anyone here who has steroid induced diabetes, and is not on insulin every day, who has been able to get a CGM covered by insurance? If so, I would love to hear your experience. 

I have had steroid induced diabetes for four or five years now. I’m so tired of pricking my finger. I know there are some over-the-counter continuous glucose meters but the sensors are very expensive.

If anyone does have experience with an over-the-counter CGM, I’d love your feedback. I might just ask my doctor for a prescription for the CGM and then pay for the sensors out-of-pocket. I would really like when that has the alarm feature for highs and lows.

Sincerely,

Mary
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