Nasonex + blood sugar level interactions

QUESTION: My relative is using Nasonex especially during spring time. His doctor has noticed some changes in his blood sugar, and is concerned as doubts diabetes. Can you give more details on how nasonex and blood sugar level are related? Thank you.


ANSWER: Hi,

Nasonex is a nasal spray used to reduce the symptoms of allergy. All drugs used for that purpose are analogs of glucocorticoid steroids.

That means that they have almost the same chemical structure as glucocorticoid hormones and they are causing the same effects on the body.

Glucocorticoid steroids are some of the most important hormones in the human body. They are regulating almost every process in the organism. The lack or the excess in their amounts are characterized by specific medical conditions.

Regarding the blood glucose, these hormones are increasing the amount of glucose in the plasma by enhancing the hydrolysis of glycogen. As you probably know, glycogen is a polymer of glucose, which is stored mainly in the liver.

Another effect of glucocorticoid steroids is to inhibit the secretion of insulin, which is stimulating the elevation of the blood glucose level.

So, the major effect of glucocorticoid steroids is to increase the blood glucose level and in that way, they are acting as contra-insulin hormones.

Now, there is normal secretion of those hormones in the organism. When you are taking Nasonex, you are increasing the amount of glucocorticoid hormones. That is causing elevation of the blood glucose level.

A healthy organism is capable to handle this elevation and to return the blood glucose in normal values. There is a complex regulation, which is capable to reduce the effect of the additional amount of glucocorticoid hormones.

But, if you are suffering from diabetes or have high risk to develop it, your organism is not capable to handle with the effect of those hormones.

That is the reason why the usage of glucocorticoid hormones in diabetics is causing hyperglycemia (condition characterized by increased glucose level).

As you may know this condition is causing severe damages to the organism and for that reason the usage of Nasonex and glucocorticoid hormones is forbidden. However, you should consult your doctor for the best decision made.

All the best!

Dr.Alba