Version 5.0.0, 1 May 2026. First published June 2016. 003053-NDSS-W Key facts Steroid medicines are used to treat many health conditions. They can raise your blood glucose levels and make diabetes harder to manage. You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often. Your diabetes medicine or insulin might need to change when you are taking steroid medicines. Talk to your diabetes doctor or nurse practitioner about your diabetes before starting a steroid medicine. Related pages Medicines for diabetes All about insulin Blood glucose monitoring High blood glucose levels Sick days Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page How steroids work How steroid medicines affect blood glucose Managing diabetes while taking steroids Questions to ask your doctor When to see your health professional What this means for you More information and support How steroids work Your body makes steroid hormones naturally. They help: your body respond to stress reduce pain and inflammation calm your immune system control your heart rate and blood pressure. Steroid medicines work like these hormones and are used to treat many health conditions. They may be used for a short time or for many years, depending on the health condition they are treating. How do I know if I am taking a steroid medicine? Most steroid medicine names end in “-sone” or “-lone”. For example, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. How steroid medicines affect blood glucose Steroid medicines raise your blood glucose levels by: stopping insulin from working as well telling your liver to release more glucose into your blood. Steroid medicines come in different forms. Each form of steroid medicine can affect your blood glucose differently. Tablets or liquids: Blood glucose levels may rise within 4 to 8 hours after taking them. Injections: Blood glucose may rise quickly and stay high for days. Inhalers: These usually do not affect blood glucose levels. Creams, gels or drops: These usually do not affect blood glucose levels. Managing your diabetes while using steroid medicines Check your blood glucose often If you do not already check your blood glucose levels, you may need to start. Checking regularly helps you see if your levels are high and if your diabetes treatment needs to change. Tell your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner if your levels are high. Adjust your diabetes medicine or insulin Your doctor or diabetes nurse practitioner will tell you if these need changing. You might: start a new medicine increase your current dose use insulin for a short time change your current insulin type or dose. Eat well and stay active Keep up with healthy eating and regular physical activity as much as possible to help keep your blood glucose levels in your target range. Important reminders Talk to your doctor or diabetes health professional nurse before changing your diabetes treatment. Do not stop taking your steroid medicine without medical advice. If you use steroid medicines long-term, wear a medical alert bracelet. Questions to ask your doctor Remind them that you have diabetes. They may change your dose of steroid medicine, so your blood glucose levels do not rise too high. Ask how to take the steroid medicine safely, and about side effects. Ask if and when you need to check your blood glucose levels. If you have not done this before, ask them to show you how. Ask how to get supplies through the NDSS. Ask if your diabetes medicine or insulin needs to change. When to see your health professional Make an appointment to see your doctor or diabetes educator if you: are having trouble keeping your blood glucose levels in your target range, during or after your steroid treatment have side effects or have concerns about side effects have any questions about your diabetes or any of your medicines. What this means for you Steroid medicines can raise blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. If your doctor prescribes you with steroid medicines, remind them that you have diabetes. Ask them how to manage your blood glucose levels during and after your steroid medicine treatment. More information and support Call the Medicines Line on 1300 Medicine or 1300 633 424 for more information about your medicine. Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a credentialled diabetes educator. Visit the NDSS Diabetes Programs page to access NDSS support programs and services in your area or online. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources Healthdirect (2024). The role of cortisol in the body The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (2020). Oral corticosteroids and your blood sugar levels Barker HL, Morrison D, Llano A et al. Practical Guide to Glucocorticoid Induced Hyperglycaemia and Diabetes. Diabetes Therapy 2023;14:937–45.
