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Thanks for weighing in. I too have been loosing weight which I definitely don’t need to be doing. I am concerned that it may have to do with my elevated blood glucose levels so I am meeting with my Rheumatologist tomorrow to try to figure this out. I know that prednisone can cause this elevation in glucose which can translate into (prednisone)diabetes. I sure don’t want to have to start taking insulin to control this. I am beginning to taper so maybe that will help. Like you I am watching what I eat to help fight the inflammation so maybe that is also contributing to weight loss. So much to think about.
Replies to "Thanks for weighing in. I too have been loosing weight which I definitely don’t need to..."
The anti inflammatory diet can contribute to weight loss.
The key cytokine in PMR is
interleukin-6. It may play a role in
weight loss. I found it easy to lose
weight when there were autoimmune symptoms.
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I have been taking prednisone since March 1, 2023. My bloodwork in December was (excellent) per my primary care doctor but went into the pre diabetic range after 2 months on steroids when my rheumatologist did a one time a1c test. My primary refuses to do any lab work until I’m off steroids.
On Friday I had another phone appointment with a different doctor. He explained I had steroid induced hyperglycemia. He further related that if I we’re diabetic insulin would not be effective.
At age 85 it is very difficult to juggle the different symptoms and distinguish what is from the PMR, what is from the prednisone, what is from my other conditions, etc. I was ready to stop eating since whatever I chose helped one aspect of PMR but was harmful for a different area. Then the doctor told me not eating would also raise my glucose levels. Damned if you do and dammed if you don’t.
I’m seeing my rheumatologist on 6/22 after my bone density test. Started prednisone at 15 mg. Currently I’m at 8 mg and decreasing by 1mg every 14 days. Most days I have mild/minimal symptoms. I’ll discuss options to taper slowly as I get closer to the finish line. I’m realistic and realize I’ll probably be on prednisone the rest of my life although my doctors won’t say that. This site has been a lifesaver for me.