Asthma

Asthma Attacks and Diabetes

09/10/2007

Question:

Hi, I have had an ongoing asthma exacerbation since April 2007 and was hospitalized 3 times--1X in April and 2X in June. The onset is very quick and I have yet to figure out what is the new trigger. This past year was the first time I was hospitalized for asthma as an adult. Previously, I did not have an asthma doctor for about 10 years.
I have found with doses of prednisone to control the asthma, that my vision becomes very blurry --bad enough to not be able to drive. I have been/off prednisone for most of the summer of 2007.
I have a history of diabetes in my family. I am on the thin side and used to exercise on a regular basis before this last asthma onset. Should I be concerned about my sugar levels? thank you.

Answer:

Yes, I would recommend you discuss this problem with both your asthma care provider and your primary or diabetes care provider as prednisone can definitely impact on blood glucose levels.

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Response by:

John G. Mastronarde, MD
Assistant Professor, Co-Director
OSU Asthma Center
Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University