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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What are the side effects of long term use of steroids?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rocky Face, GA

My rheumatologist put me on 2 steroids a day for 30 days. To combat inflammation.

July 22, 2025
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members shared sobering experiences about steroids causing blood sugar spikes, with several reporting numbers jumping into the 220-350 range... Read more

Members shared sobering experiences about steroids causing blood sugar spikes, with several reporting numbers jumping into the 220-350 range or higher, alongside other concerning side effects like elevated blood pressure, lower oxygen levels, disrupted sleep, and extreme fatigue or hyperactivity. Many community members described the delicate balancing act of managing steroid-induced glucose changes, with practical strategies including frequent blood sugar monitoring, working closely with doctors to temporarily adjust diabetes medications like insulin or oral drugs, and understanding that the spike is often temporary but must be carefully tracked. A recurring theme was the importance of advocating for oneself by staying in close contact with medical teams, refusing steroids when risks outweigh benefits, and recognizing that while steroids may be necessary for inflammation, their systemic effects demand vigilant self-care and proactive communication with healthcare providers.

A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member .... just saw your reply to mine re insulin .... thanks Graham. Most helpful. 🤩

September 8, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member Insulin is a "Peptide Hormone" and yes it 'can' cause weight gain if you take it to manage blood sugar

Why?

Because contrary to what many believe, "Body Fat" is the result of left over blood sugar and left over insulin, not eating high fat foods

(high fat foods cause cholesterol and triglyceride problems, not body fat)

As long as you have insulin floating around it needs to do a job and if it can't convert the sugar into energy because your cells are full OR you have insulin resistance stopping it, it will convert blood sugar to body fat - it has to be used up somewhere

So if you start taking insulin and gain weight (typical 5-10% increase in body weight) that is telling you that you are eating TOO MANY CARBS, so if you reduce your carb intake and dial back your insulin (in units) a bit you will find the balance point where you manage your sugars and don't gain weight

Weight gain with or without taking insulin is ALWAYS because you are eating more than YOUR System (not compared to anyone else) can handle

July 24, 2025 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member
Thank you. I will be very careful. I'm checking my blood sugar often. I will call my doctor today to see if she needs to tweak my diabetes medicine while I'm on steroids.

July 23, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

Yeah, Elmo. My 2 hour post meal number was 326. I need to contact my doctor and see what she recommends.

July 22, 2025
DiabetesTeam

For people with diabetes, steroids can make blood sugar control more difficult. While steroids can be helpful for managing inflammation in the short term, it's important to monitor your blood glucose levels closely during steroid treatment. It's important to work closely with both your rheumatologist and your diabetes care Show Full Answer

For people with diabetes, steroids can make blood sugar control more difficult. While steroids can be helpful for managing inflammation in the short term, it's important to monitor your blood glucose levels closely during steroid treatment. It's important to work closely with both your rheumatologist and your diabetes care team during steroid treatment. They can help adjust your diabetes management plan as needed while you're taking steroids. Make sure to:

- Check your blood sugar more frequently
- Keep detailed records of your readings
- Contact your healthcare provider if you notice significant changes in your blood sugar levels
- Don't stop taking steroids suddenly - follow your doctor's instructions for tapering off

July 22, 2025

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