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Prescribed Prednisolone After Cataract Surgery. Test Showed Elevated Blood Sugar Level. Normal?

Posted on Fri, 10 May 2013

Question: My mother has been prescribed prednisolone 40 mg tablet today after cataract surgery. Her blood sugar tested today is showing 397 after dinner 2 hrs inspire of taking Jalra M and Glymi tablet. Is it normal

Answered by Dr. Das Arindam (29 minutes later)

Hello,

Thank you for posting a query here.

Look, prednisolone is a corticosteroid agent. It increases the blood sugar level by its anabolic property.

So, a high blood sugar level, during these days of taking prednisolone is a side effect.

But, in this condition, usual anti-hyperglycemic agent will not be effective. We generally prescribe insulin in these cases depending upon the clinical profile and situation.

If she has to take prednisolone for longer period, then insulin is necessary for her. In other cases, she does not need extra medication. Just regular checkup will be enough.

So, consult with her treating doctor whether insulin is necessary for her or not.

Hope this information suffices. Let me know, if you have any more question.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Das Arindam (12 hours later)

I want to ask further question :-

1) If I reduce the dosage of Prednesolone to 20 mgs instead of 40 mgs will it reduce the sudden spike in the sugar level ??

2) Also what precaution or Remedy I can take if sugar level shoots above 300 -350 before I consult her doctor (if the high level is detected in middle of night 2 hrs post dinner ???)

3) Also will these high sugar levels for a short period (say 3- 4 days till medication is set) also will continue to cause harm ??? If yes what urgently can be done ???

Answered by Dr. Das Arindam (5 hours later)

Hello,

Thank you for writing back.

I am giving your answer one by one.

1. Look, do not reduce the dose of prednisolone yourself. Consult with her treating doctor before that.

It does not always true that if you reduce the dose of prednisolone, the hyperglycemia will reduce.

2. You should watch her consciousness, development of any pain abdomen and other symptoms. Then you should consult with her treating doctor.

There is no remedy except the insulin. So, consult with her treating doctor.

3. Look, i have already told that, if this prednisolone has been prescribed for 2-3days, then nothing is required. In case of long duration prednisolone therapy, then insulin is necessary for her. Consult with her treating doctor about it.

Hope, you have your answers.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Das Arindam (17 hours later)

Today I checked my Mothers BP which is 160/87 and Pulse Rate 73. This increase is inspite of taking her BP medicines. Can This increase in BP be also due to Prednisolone tablet ???

Answered by Dr. Das Arindam (6 hours later)

Hello,

Thank you for writing back.

Look, this high blood pressure level is not caused by the prednisolone.

You should consult with your treating doctor about it.

Hope you have your answers.

Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar