Low blood sugar on prednisone

Yes my fasting blood sugar has been 20 points lower than normal. Been on prednisone since last August and can’t wait to taper off. I have been pre-diabetic for over a decade so I have been monitoring it all along. Strangely my A1C turned out to be one tenth of a point higher. It is concerning and finally got an appointment with my endocrinologist this week after waiting months to get in.
Also my blood pressure went up this week after tapering to 5 mg. I think it’s all related to cortisol levels. Also been experiencing nausea. This has not been a fun journey! I am concerned about my body’s response to prednisone. Hopefully doesn’t lead me to diabetes or hypoglycemia.

I don't have any concerning symptoms but my fasting blood sugar has dropped about 15 points since I've been on prednisone. For me that has been a good thing since my readings were running at 100 to 105. Prednisone is supposed to raise blood sugar but just another example of how it affects people differently.

@caroljeand wow. I hope you can taper soon. This is no joke. Prednisone is scary.

Prednisone always gives me shaky hands, even at 15mg daily. Difficult to do detailed tasks like tweezers or decorating xmas cookies. Just started checking my glucose 2 weeks ago and it's all over the place, with fasting glucose as low as 37 and as high as 100, and I don't feel bad at 37. Two hours after meals isn't low, 107 to 149.

@linda7
I have the similar results as you… I checked online if it’s a concern and it urges those people who experience it to check with the doctor. My primary care doesn’t seem concerned and my rheumatologist just refers it back to her. That’s why I’m seeing a specialist to get to the bottom of things. If it is negatively impacting my health I want to know. Hoping I get I get some answers.

@tsesow silly question, but how do you check it if its not bloodwork ordered by your doc?

@mech
Not a silly question… I have a blood glucose meter and I have been borderline diabetic (no meds) for probably a dozen years. I’ve been checking my fasting blood sugar from time to time just to keep a handle on it. When I noticed the drastic change when I started prednisone I was concerned because I knew the number should be rising, not going lower. When it goes from close to 100 to 70 and 80’s I wondering if there is something else going on.

@mech my mother-in-law was diabetic and I learned from her how to use a glucose meter and the numbers to watch for. I have not had a venous glucose test yet, but if the glucose monitor numbers get worrisome, then I'll see my PCP. If those are bad, I expect I'll get an A1C. Prior to PMR and prednisone my numbers were mid-normal.

I am type 2, and prednisone raises my levels and there is nothing I can do. At 10mg I tried every variation of when I took it and when I would eat breakfast, that I could think of but my fasting morning level is about 115, but by 2 pm I'll climb to 180-200.
I eat Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for breakfast so I'm always getting protien, which does help. But as the pred wares down my numbers come back to the 140 range. And I can eat pretty much anything I want after that and still be ok.
But shaky hands, absolutly, drives me crazy.

Thank you for the reply! It's definitely frustrating