Diabetes After Pancreas Damage or Medicines

Some health conditions can lead to diabetes. The pancreas makes insulin, so damage to it can mean too little insulin. Pancreatitis, a swelling of the pancreas, is one cause of that damage.

Cystic fibrosis can also lead to diabetes. Many adults who live with it are affected.

Some medicines can raise blood sugar. Steroids are one example. Doctors prescribe steroids to calm swelling in the body.

A course is a set period of taking a medicine. Your prescriber, the doctor who ordered it, sets when the course ends. While you take steroids in a course, blood sugar may climb.

When a steroid course ends, blood sugar may return to normal. In some people, diabetes lasts after the course ends. Your care team can help you track which pattern fits you.

Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Even if you think it caused the change, bring that question to your prescriber.

Key takeaways

• Damage to the pancreas can lead to diabetes, and so can cystic fibrosis.
• Some medicines, such as steroids, can raise blood sugar while you take them.
• Blood sugar may recover after a steroid course, but diabetes can last for some people.

Try it

Write down the medicines you take. Bring the list to your next visit and ask your care team which ones can affect blood sugar.