DiabetesTeam

Why do steroids cause blood sugar to spike?

Steroid shots work by reducing inflammation and calming your immune system, which helps with pain relief. However, once the medication enters your bloodstream, it affects how your body handles glucose in several ways.

Steroids raise blood sugar through three main mechanisms:

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Why do steroids cause blood sugar to spike?

Steroid shots work by reducing inflammation and calming your immune system, which helps with pain relief. However, once the medication enters your bloodstream, it affects how your body handles glucose in several ways.

Steroids raise blood sugar through three main mechanisms:

* They increase insulin resistance, making your body's cells less responsive to insulin
* They signal your liver to release more stored glucose into your bloodstream
* They prevent your fat and muscle cells from absorbing glucose from the blood

Since many people with type 2 diabetes already have insulin resistance, the added effect from a steroid shot can cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply. The steroid acts like cortisol, a natural hormone in your body, but in higher amounts than normal.

Blood sugar increases can be significant. Some people see levels rise from around 110 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL or higher within days of the injection. The highest levels typically occur between two hours and 3.5 days after the shot.

The good news is these changes are usually temporary. Most people see their blood sugar return to normal within three to seven days, though it can take up to two or three weeks in some cases.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

How Do Steroid Shots Affect Your Blood Sugar?