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Treatment and the treatment process

Steroids and blood sugar

Steroids (for example dexamethasone, prednisolone) are part of many leukaemia treatments and can raise blood sugar, even in people without diabetes.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Steroids and sugar
Figure 1.Steroids and sugar — Steroids and blood sugar

01Short answer

Steroids make the liver release more sugar and weaken insulin’s effect. Sugar is often higher in the afternoon and evening, and usually falls after the course ends. The team plans sugar checks and temporary treatment if needed.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your diabetes doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Steroid hyperglycaemia: sugar rises in the hours after a steroid dose.

End of the course: when steroids are reduced, diabetes medicines must be reduced too, or sugar can fall too low.

04What happens in the body?

Steroids and blood sugar and leukaemia

People with steroids and blood sugar can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and steroids and blood sugar can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A curve rising and settling
Figure 2.A curve rising and settling.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and diabetes doctor share information, treatment is safer.

Morning and evening checks
Figure 3.Morning and evening checks.

05Treatment with steroids and blood sugar

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Strong thirstHigh sugarTell your team
Passing urine oftenHigh sugarTell your team
Shaking, sweating after the courseLow sugarFollow your plan, tell your team

07Key terms

Steroid
A medicine that reduces inflammation and leukaemia cells.
Hyperglycaemia
High blood sugar.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Will diabetes stay after the course?

Sugar often returns to normal, but tests will show.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will diabetes stay after the course?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Steroids
  2. MedlinePlus. Diabetes Medicines
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Female Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Male Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Mouth and Throat Problems during Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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