Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

Q:

Do you know or have you heard of any relationship between long term use of topical steroids to DM? Also, do you know if a few minutes after a very strenuous activity, the blood sugar level rises?

A:

I do not have the info on long term use of topical steroids. I would think much would depend on the strength and frequency. We do know that diabetes can be steroid-induced; we call this secondary diabetes. Exercise does raise blood sugar up to an hour or longer post activity, depending on how strenuously you exercise. The overall effect, particularly for those in control and without medication, is to lower blood glucose after the initial effect of exercise has "worn off".