Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions. People with diabetes are especially susceptible to side effects from cortisone injections, often resulting in a temporary increase in blood sugar levels over the next hour or days. If you aren’t expecting it, it might be a surprise.
Some common and many uncommon side effects can occur after cortisone shots. You should discuss these possible complications with your health care provider before undergoing this treatment. Although most cortisone side effects are mild and temporary, it’s worth discussing these possible issues so you know what to expect after the injection.
Very Well/Cindy Chong
diabetes and cortisone
A 2015 study looked at the use of cortisone injections in diabetic patients who received injections for hand problems (such as trigger finger or carpal tunnel syndrome). Participants were then surveyed daily until symptoms resolved.
In this study,
80% of patients reported increased blood sugar levels after the injection. Elevated blood sugar corresponded to diabetes severity as measured by hemoglobin A1C (HBA1C). People with HBA1C above 7% had higher blood sugar levels after the injection and the increase lasted longer. Blood sugar levels gradually returned to normal over a few days, and no one reported problems with blood sugar control lasting longer than 5 days.
This was a relatively small study (25 patients), only included people who had the injections in their hands, and only studied the effects of a single brand of cortisone. However, it provides some data on a subject that is well known but not well documented in medical literature.
This study recommends avoiding cortisone injections if HBA1C is above 7%. If the benefits of cortisone outweigh the risks, changes in diet and diabetes medication dosage may help minimize the risks.
symptoms
Elevated blood sugar levels can cause the following symptoms:
Fatiguedry MouthStexcessive urination Bread vision nausea or stomach pain or rapid breathing hedging syndrome
Benefits vs. Risks
Treatment should be considered based on weighing the risks and benefits of treatment. With cortisone injections, there are known side effects to consider, but there are also potential benefits.
People with diabetes should be aware of the possibility of elevated blood sugar levels. Additionally, patients with less well-controlled diabetes may wish to avoid cortisone injections until alternative treatments have been exhausted.
You should discuss how high your blood sugar gets with your health care provider so they will know if there is a problem that requires more urgent evaluation.
How much do cortisone shots affect my blood sugar levels?
Diabetics can experience higher than normal blood sugar levels for 5 to 7 days after a cortisone injection.
management increases
The good news is that elevated blood sugar levels tend to be temporary and usually resolve on their own after a few days. Peak elevation tends to occur 5 to 84 hours after injection.
If you self-administer your insulin, you may need to:
Monitor blood sugar levels for 5 to 7 days after injection. Blood sugar levels are ticked at least 4 times daily with insulin and oral medications as needed.
The majority of people who have elevated blood sugar levels after a cortisone injection will not have serious effects, but in some cases more aggressive treatment may be necessary.
Whenever you have symptoms that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, seek medical attention immediately.
summary
Cortisone injections effectively reduce inflammation in conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis, but they can cause temporary side effects, such as blood sugar spikes in diabetics.
These effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days. Discuss potential risks, benefits, and management strategies with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.