Steroid-Induced Diabetes: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do

When you take steroid-induced diabetes, a form of high blood sugar triggered by corticosteroid medications. It’s not the same as type 1 or type 2 diabetes—it’s temporary for many, but still dangerous if ignored. This isn’t rare. People on long-term prednisone, dexamethasone, or other corticosteroids for asthma, arthritis, or autoimmune conditions often see their blood sugar climb. The body can’t handle the flood of glucose these drugs cause, and insulin doesn’t work as well. It’s not your fault. It’s a side effect built into the medicine.

corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used for decades. They’re lifesavers for many, but they also mess with how your liver releases sugar and how your muscles and fat absorb it. Even a short course of 5 mg daily for a few weeks can push someone with prediabetes into full-blown high blood sugar. And if you’re overweight, over 40, or have a family history of diabetes, your risk goes up fast. Doctors often don’t warn you about this because they’re focused on treating the main condition—rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or COPD. But you need to know. That’s why checking your blood sugar regularly while on steroids isn’t optional. A simple finger prick test once a day can catch trouble before it damages your kidneys, eyes, or nerves. And if you’re already on insulin or metformin for another reason, your dose might need adjusting—fast.

blood sugar control, the key to managing steroid-induced diabetes without quitting your treatment. You don’t have to stop your steroids. You just need to manage the fallout. Eating fewer carbs, staying active even with light walks, and drinking water help. Some people need short-term metformin or insulin just while they’re on the meds. Once the steroids are stopped, blood sugar often returns to normal—but not always. For some, it sticks around. That’s why monitoring doesn’t end when the prescription does. The goal isn’t to avoid steroids. It’s to use them safely. And that means knowing the signs: extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue. If you feel off while on these drugs, don’t wait. Test your sugar. Talk to your doctor. This isn’t about fear. It’s about control.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve dealt with this exact problem—how they managed blood sugar spikes, what worked with their doctors, and how they avoided complications without giving up their treatment. These aren’t theories. They’re actions that worked.