IV Decadron and elevated blood sugars w/ Type 2 diabetes

My father developed type 2 diabetes after taking decadron. He takes 4 shots per day. They tell us that he developed diabetes because of his weight, he's been fluctuating between 315-325. I find it pretty suspicious with the decadron, but his levels at one point jumped into the 600's. So maybe their right?

Good luck to you!!

Colleen, father GBMIV dx. 12/08

On 4/10/2009 loislane wrote:

just started(yesterday) Chemo treatment(Carboplatin and Taxol). I'm a type 2 diabetic. One of The premeds(Decadron 20mg IV) caused a big spike in my blood sugar. Are there alternatives to Decadron?How long does the Decadron stay in my system? Anyone else experience this? Any ideas how to manage this?

Hi,

As you posted in April, you probably know by now, but my roommate and friend also had Decadron IV pre-chemo in hopes of boosting his platelet count. He doesn't have diabetes and was on Decadron for three days which also spiked his sugar. They checked it regularly and had to give him two shots of insulin before he left the hospital; by the fourth day off Decadron, his sugar levels returned to normal.

I understand Decradron is given just once prior to chemotherapy, in order to decrease the possibility of infusion reaction. The drug can be withheld if you have serious problems or concerns, when you talk to your doctor. 

How are you doing now?

Lisa in AZ