Recently Diagnosed - lots of questions

[weedheaded]

Although I've suspected it for a few months I just confirmed a couple of weeks ago that I have Type 2 Diabetes. I developed it because I take high doses of Prednisone for a kidney condition that I have. I'm hoping that once I stop taking the Prednisone (in a few months) that my glucose levels will return to normal.

My questions, for anyone who has information...

Do you know of anyone who developed diabetes due to taking prednisone and then had it 'go away' once they stopped?

I'm currently being treated by a nephrologist. He said he'd like to treat my diabetes (with medication) unless it gets out of control. Should I insist on seeing an endocrinologist? I've been reading these forums and seeing threads about feet and eyes and amputation and I'm concerned that my nephrologist isn't treating my diabetes aggressively enough. For example, he's never looked at my feet. Even though I told him they're always numb and tingling, he said that once my BS levels get under control that will go away. My BS levels range between 90 and 350, depending on the time of day, but my feet are always numb. Do I need to see an opthamologist? What types of questions should I be asking him?

Speaking of tingling feet... how do you cope with that? This has probably been the most bothersome symptom for me so far.

Thanks in advance for any helpful advice!

[princesslinda]

Welcome Ed! Glad you found the forums.

To answer your question about diabetes and prednisone, my brother-in-law was treated with heavy doses of prednisone for cancer for a couple of months and developed diabetes and was treated with insulin for awhile, but after the prednisone was stopped, his blood sugars normalized.

My co-worker had a lung disorder and was on prednisone for about 8 months...she developed diabetes, was on insulin then after discontinuing the prednisone, her diabetes didn't go away and she is currently still on medication (Byetta).

With the problems you're having, it would be a good idea for you to see an endocrinologist and get started on insulin, at least for the short-term. After you're off the prednisone, you may not have to continue it, but i'm concerned that you're having daily readings in the 300's, as this can cause problems.

It wouldn't hurt to see an ophthalmologist, but I would hold off on getting new glasses until your blood sugars normalize, as higher blood sugars affect vision. He could check and make sure you're not having any diabetic changes though.

As for your feet, there are meds that can treat neuropathy such as Lyrica and Neurontin (the 2 that came to mind), also, i've read that alpha lipoic acid can be helpful as well. This may also improve as your numbers normalize. I have no personal experience with this as of yet.