How to treat Sky rocketing glucose levels after steroid shot

[Wjammer]

I have type II diabetes that I have controlled using exercise and diet.  However, recently my fasting glucose levels have crept up into the high 120's low 130's, so I was already sort of out of control.
However, yesterday I had a steriod shot given to me in my knee to treat knee pain.  This morning my fasting glucose level was at 320 (that is much higher than I have ever seen it).  Probably to complicate things I went to a birthday party and had cake and ice cream, which I don't usually have.

My question is:  How can I get my blood sugar down.  I don't take any meds and really don't do anything other than exercise.  Today, I have not eaten and I did a little exercise, but my glucose reading is still around 230.  Help!  I don't really know what to do.

Thanks in advance for anyone that has any advice to offer.

[JDRF-Team-gg]

Wjammer:  I urge you to contact your physician, preferably a endocrinologist ASAP.  Have you been checking your urine for ketones?  If you are still running high bg's you really should be working with your healthcare team to get those back under control.  If you're losing weight, it could be serious, so please make that call right away.  Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[Wjammer]

It has been almost a week since the steroid shot I received which drove my bg levels so high.  They have not come down and I'm really not feeling very well.  I feel sick when I eat and sick if I don't eat.  I feel dizzy and thick-headed all the time.  My weight is dropping quickly, yet I'm always hungry.

Is this still related to my type II diabetes being temporarily driven out of control by the steriod shot, or is this something else?  How long will this last?  Any ideas anyone?

[Wjammer]

Thank you for your quick response!  I think this is a very good board to get information from others who can relate to our condition.

It is nice to hear that it is probably only a temporary condition and I don't need to do anything special to treat it.

[JDRF-Team-gg]

Hi Wjammer!  I am not a medical professional, just a volunteer and a mom of a 17 year old who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 21 months.  I recently spoke with a oncology nurse practitioner as my mother-in-law, who is type 2, is being treated with chemo for pancreatic cancer and is receiving an anti-nausea steroid.  Her bg's have been in good range, but the evening after she receives chemo, her bg sky rockets.  The NP stated that this is a direct effect of the steroid and she would not recommend a medication adjustment as it is a temporary reaction or spike and the bg should come down on it's own.  Apparently, this is a typical side effect when a steroid is given.  Please speak to your physician regarding what plan of action is best for you.  Good luck!