Cortisone is used to treat various inflammatory diseases. Tablets may be taken orally for a relatively short period of time, e.g., to treat an acute exacerbation of asthma or weeks, as in the case of an intestinal inflammation, or even several years to treat some forms of rheumatic diseases, for instance.
Corticosteroids increase the need for insulin and can raise the blood sugar level depending on the individual, product or dose. Usually, a person with diabetes will need more medication or insulin therapy. For a person using insulin therapy, the insulin dosage needs to be increased.
Both the doses of cortisone products and the effect of different products on blood sugar vary. The need to intensify blood sugar management becomes apparent by monitoring blood sugar levels. Cortisone used in skin creams does not usually affect blood sugar in conventional use.