Hyperglycemia related to inhaler use

[Aneroo, LPN]

Is the steroid amt. in an inhaled steroid (used for asthma and COPD) enough to cause hyperglycemia? I ran it by my husband, and he said " a steroid is a steroid", but just wondering what everyone else thinks.

[nightmare, RN]

Long term usage of steroids can definitely contribute to Type 2 diabetes.

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

Is the steroid amt. in an inhaled steroid (used for asthma and COPD) enough to cause hyperglycemia? I ran it by my husband, and he said " a steroid is a steroid", but just wondering what everyone else thinks.

I found this http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/Amy_Campbell/The_Ups_and_Downs_of_Meds_and_Diabetes_Part_1_Steroids/print

and it says......

"Steroid inhalers and creams usually don't raise blood glucose levels."

But I had a hard time finding it anywhere else and it doesn't go on to explain it in more detail.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

long term usage of steroids can definitely contribute to type 2 diabetes.

this is a good question because i always pondered this. at the moment, i am agreeing with nightmare. what i do when i speak to patients about this (because i am not quite sure) is that it is really important to let their provider know of all of the medications they are taking, personal stress, infections and other things that can possibly raise glucose levels.

[Nightcrawler, BSN, RN]

As a lifelong asthma patient, I can tell you that inhaled steroids are highly unlikely to lead to increased serum glucose. The reason for this is both in the low dosage and the fact that it is not taken systemically. Those who take oral steroids for their asthma are at risk for DMII, but those who take the inhaled form are not considered at risk

[Aneroo, LPN]

As a lifelong asthma patient, I can tell you that inhaled steroids are highly unlikely to lead to increased serum glucose. The reason for this is both in the low dosage and the fact that it is not taken systemically. Those who take oral steroids for their asthma are at risk for DMII, but those who take the inhaled form are not considered at risk

Thanks guys! My mom is saying she was told she was diabetic from by her doctors- they need a head slap. They've been having her check her sugars for a long time, and just now decide it's time for the diagnosis. I'm still waiting on her COPD dx as well. *insert rolling eyes here*

No one there mentioned to her to rinse her mouth out after using the inhaler (two puffs bid). Now she has thrush. DOH.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Are there any references that state that inhaled steroids can't cause elevated serum levels? I would like to know just in case I have to prove it to someone. Thanks again, also!