I have two keloids on my back and will need a Kenalog/Steroid injection in each. Has anyone here had a steroid injection with an A1C at 7? I understand it can raise your blood sugar for 1 to 10 days and am worried about it. I have to get the injection to stop the burning and itching caused by the removal of a cebacious cyst two years ago. Thanks in advance. Amy
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Steroids raise your blood sugar. How much and how long is dependent on your personal response. Localized shots don’t raise it as bad, but it can just vary. Most people I think the rough time for a localized shot is 1-3 days? It can be a stubborn high. Sometimes it’s a necessity so you just ride with trying to deal with the higher BG level.
I am a type 1 and take extra insulin to deal with it, but hopefully there are some other type 2’s here that can give you more pertinent information of how they deal with it.
Steroids definitely raise your blood sugar. If you;re on a pump, I would raise my basal rate by about 30% (set a temp basal to 130%) immediately upon getting the shot, and then even up it to 150% if your bg starts going too high, I’m not sure how that would work if you’re not on a pump, but I would imagine you might be able to do it if you’re on MDI by increasing your morning dose of whatever basal insulin you use, or giving yourself an extra shot when you get the steroid shot. Example, Lantus at say 15 units first thing in the morning, then give yourself another 5 units of lantus when you get the steroid shot.
Sadly, if you’re on oral medication, I have no idea how to help you. Good luck, though. I hope at least it stops the itching.
Marie20, Thank you so much. My BS is uncontrolled at this point, so a “stubborn high” sounds frightening to me. I am not on insulin. Thanks again, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
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Ruth4, thanks so much. I am on oral medication, so I will ask my doctor before I make the jump.
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