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I was on Prednisone for probably 7-8 months out of the past year but haven't taken it in the past 3 months. Blood Pressure & cholesterol are excellent but require meds to keep them that way. I haven't been able to be very active this past year or so after being diagnosed but that is slowly changing. Was diagnosed with PsA & Psoriasis as well recently. My Primary Care doctor is working on getting me on something for the high blood sugar ASAP.

December 31, 2025 (edited)
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A myRAteam Member

I a d my doctor both believe my diabetes started with long-term prednisone use many years ago. I had to be on prednisone for three and half years when RA attacked my eye.

December 31, 2025
myRAteam

Are you experiencing high blood sugar despite good diet and weight?

Yes, high blood sugar can definitely happen with RA, and your prednisone use is likely a key factor. Even though you stopped taking it 3 months ago, corticosteroids like prednisone can significantly impact blood sugar levels.

Here's what happens: Predniso Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing high blood sugar despite good diet and weight?

Yes, high blood sugar can definitely happen with RA, and your prednisone use is likely a key factor. Even though you stopped taking it 3 months ago, corticosteroids like prednisone can significantly impact blood sugar levels.

Here's what happens: Prednisone tells your liver to release more glucose into the blood and slows down how quickly sugar moves into your muscles and fat tissues. This raises blood sugar levels, and if your body can't produce enough insulin to handle it, you may develop type 2 diabetes.

The connection between RA and high blood sugar goes beyond just medications. When you have RA, your body often releases too much tumor necrosis factor (TNF). While TNF helps fight infection in small amounts, too much can cause inflammation and make your body more resistant to insulin, which can lead to diabetes.

Additionally, joint pain and inflammation from RA can make it harder to stay active, and less physical activity is linked to higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What you should do:

Talk to your doctor about diabetes screening if you haven't already. They can check your blood sugar levels and determine if you need treatment or monitoring.

Watch for these diabetes symptoms:
* Increased hunger with possible weight loss
* Extreme fatigue
* Drinking more water and urinating more frequently
* Blurry vision

It's great that you're managing your diet well and maintaining a healthy weight—keep that up as it helps reduce diabetes risk.

December 31, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Me too all black and blue.thete is a cream for Bruse .it helps

December 31, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I have R.A. For 16 yrs. On prednisone for the first years then again for a few years, it gave me bones loss and a lot of black and blue marks on my legs and I will never take it again even though it kills pain, mynlegs are stained and so ugly

December 31, 2025

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