Do you know that many steroids, like prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone, are strong medicines? These steroids help to treat inflammation, autoimmune diseases (Type 1 Diabetes), breathing problems, and allergic reactions in the body. These steroids work to calm your immune system when it shows abnormality. But the problem is, they can make blood sugar rise—and sometimes fast. People with or without diabetes must know about steroids. Both understand how long steroids will affect blood sugar because it is important for them to receive safe treatment.
For example, prednisone and blood sugar changes can happen within hours of your first dose, and in some cases, blood sugar may stay high for days. In this article, we’ll break down why steroids raise blood sugar, how long the effect can last, and simple steps to manage it, even if you’re not a medical expert.
What Are Steroids?
Steroids (corticosteroids) are man-made medicines designed to mimic cortisol, a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. They help reduce inflammation, control the immune system, and balance various body functions.
Doctors use them to:
- By using steroids, they reduce inflammation in the body
- They also control immune system activity
- By using this, doctors also manage asthma, arthritis, skin problems, and autoimmune conditions
Common examples include:
The common examples of steroids are given below:
- Prednisone: It is often used for breathing problems and autoimmune diseases.
- Dexamethasone: It is used for severe inflammation or cancer treatment.
- Hydrocortisone: It is used for allergies and adrenal gland issues.
- Methylprednisolone: This steroid is used for joint injections or flare-ups.
When these steroids all work well, they may also raise blood sugar. It is important for you as a diabetic patient to know about how long steroids will affect blood sugar and how we manage it.
Why Do Steroids Increase Blood Sugar?
Yes, and the other reason lies in their glucocorticoid effect because steroids act like a hormone called cortisol. Which are given below:
- Steroids can cause your liver to release more sugar into your blood and make it harder for your body to use insulin properly, which raises blood sugar levels.
- They reduce your body’s sensitivity to insulin, so sugar stays in your blood longer.
- They can also release stored sugar from your muscles and liver by adding to the rise in blood sugar
This combination results in steroids and blood glucose rising above target levels. Does prednisone increase blood sugar? Yes, it will, especially in patients who use insulin, have type 2 diabetes, or prediabetes.
Prednisolone and Blood Sugar:
Like prednisone, prednisolone can raise blood sugar and make it harder for your body to use insulin. People with diabetes taking prednisolone should check their blood sugar closely, because long-term use can increase the risk of steroid-induced hyperglycemia.
How Long Steroids Impact Blood Sugar
The duration and intensity of steroid-related blood sugar changes depend on several factors:
Main Factors:
- Type of steroid: There are two main types, the short-acting (Hydrocortisone, Cortisone, etc) vs long-acting (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone).
- Dosage and treatment duration: when you take higher doses and longer use causes bigger effects.
- Individual health status: Conditions such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome can prolong effects.
- Timing of dose or injection: The morning vs evening dose changes your impact on glucose patterns.
Real Example:
A patient taking 20 mg of prednisone daily for asthma saw fasting blood sugar rise from 95 mg/dL to 160 mg/dL within 12 hours of starting. The higher readings lasted about 3 days after stopping. This matches what’s commonly seen with prednisone’s effect on blood sugar.
Steroid Types vs Approximate Blood Sugar Spike Duration
| Steroid Type | Common Use | Onset of Blood Sugar Rise | Duration of Effect* |
| Prednisone | It is commonly used for Inflammation and autoimmune disease | 4-8 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Dexamethasone | This type is used for severe inflammation or cancer | 6-10 hours | 36-54 hours |
| Hydrocortisone | Adrenal issues, allergies | 1-4 hours | 8-12 hours |
| Methylprednisolone | It is used for joint injections and acute flare-ups | 4-6 hours | 24-48 hours |
Steroid-Induced Diabetes Risks and Symptoms
Diabetes induced by steroids occurs when long-term use keeps your sugar high.
- Short-term effects: A Steroid named Prednisone may temporarily raise blood sugars within hours of initiation. And the level returns to its normal point when you stop the medicine.
- Long-term effects: If used for weeks or months, they can cause steroid-induced diabetes in people without diabetes or worsen type 2 diabetes in individuals who have it.
Common Symptoms:
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Slow wound healing
Monitoring Blood Sugar While Taking Steroids
Steroids can lead to sudden and unanticipated peaks in blood glucose, particularly in prediabetic and diabetic patients. Ongoing monitoring prevents hazardous peaks and provides immediate adjustment of treatment. Relying on the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) or routine fingerstick tests provides a prompt response to an increase.
How you can monitor your blood sugar while on steroids:
- Test sugar 4-6 times daily or when you notice symptoms
- Use a CGM (FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, Dexcom G7) for real-time alerts
- Test before & after meals
- Keep a log for your doctor
- Watch for symptoms like thirst, tiredness, and frequent urination
- Know that spikes often come 4-8 hours after your dose
Blood Sugar Monitoring Schedule During Steroid Use
| Patient Type | Monitoring Frequency |
| No diabetes | Twice daily (morning & evening) |
| Known diabetes | Before meals & bedtime (4-6 times/day) |
| CGM users | Continuous |
Managing High Blood Sugar During Steroid Treatment
How do I control my blood sugar while on steroids? Key steps include:
- You can eat low glycemic index food like plums.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- You can do light to moderate activity to balance blood sugar; it is safe for you
- Take your medicine daily with a prescription that your doctor gives to you.
- Adjust your insulin or pill dose according to your doctor’s advice
Considerations for People Without Diabetes
Even if you do not have diabetes, steroids can cause temporary hyperglycemia. This may not raise the symptoms in everyone. But it can still impact your energy, healing, and long-term metabolic health. Here’s how you can manage this risk:
- Get a baseline blood sugar test before starting steroids.
- Check your blood sugar regularly if taking steroids for more than a few days.
- Avoid drinks and snacks that contain added sugar.
- Consume small amounts of sugar when needed to stay active.
- Inform your doctor if your blood sugar remains high after stopping steroids
When to Call Your Doctor
Seek immediate medical advice if you experience:
- Confusion or trouble thinking
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Glucose above 250 mg/dL
- Nausea, vomiting, or dehydration
- Vision changes
Conclusion
Steroids and blood sugar are closely linked to each other. Effects depend on the type of steroid, dose, and your health. People with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome may have longer-lasting high blood sugar. Monitoring, treatment, and the right tools can help manage it safely. With advanced monitoring equipment from Deliver My Meds, you can track glucose trends and respond in a timely manner. Always report steroid-induced changes to your doctor so that your doctor can weigh treatment against blood sugar control.
