Steroids and Blood Sugar

The rise of steroids, and its proper usage, is no doubt one of the best modern day miracles that ever happened.  Steroids have helped a lot of people recover for various medical conditions and diseases. But, it cannot also be avoided that there are several concerns raised regarding its use. if you are worried about your blood sugar, you are probably curious to know whether or not it causes or fights off blood sugar.

Basic Types of Steroids

Corticosteroids are the hormones which resemble those which naturally occur in the human body. This is used for fighting off diseases, stresses, and injuries. These are useful anti-inflammatory medications and can also be used for treating arthritis, asthma, and dermatitis. It also supports the immune system and prevents nausea experienced during medical procedures such as chemotherapy.

The second type is the anabolic steroids that include testosterone and other related compounds that have androgenic or masculinizing and anabolic or muscle building effects. These are often used illegally. However, it is often required for people whose blood testosterone levels are much lower than normal.

Steroids and Their Effect on Blood Sugar Levels

Those people who take steroids find it more difficult to control their blood sugar levels. This is because steroids cause increased blood sugar in three ways. First, they can inhibit insulin’s action which can lead to insulin resistance. Second, they decrease the transport of glucose from bloodstream to the adipose cells and tissue. It will then lead to high glucose level in the blood. Finally, steroids can also stimulate the liver to start the release of extra glucose to the bloodstream.

The inhaled steroids which are used for treatment of asthma are not found to have any effects on blood sugar levels. But still, there is a possibility that the levels will increase in a matter of days of using oral steroids, and this will then change according to the specific steroid type, dose you are taking, and the time when you take it.

Steroid injections to the joint or muscle can also cause a boost in the blood sugar levels soon after it has been administered, with its effects possibly lasting from 3 to as much as 10 days. Aside from that, it is a must to take note that when used for long term, steroids can also affect the way the body naturally controls the levels of blood sugar, and it can then lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

When you feel as if you are starting to become hyperglycemic, or the state where blood glucose levels are abnormally high, make sure that you visit your physician right away.

So, how do you determine if you are suffering from high blood sugar? When you have high blood sugar, some of the common symptoms include blurry vision, the urge to generate a lot, feeling tired or sick, feeling thirsty, weight loss, and having dry mouth and skin.

Again, when you have any of these symptoms, schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as possible.