Houston, I would get a second opinion, there are a lot of different treatments for MG, Soloris, Ultimoris, Rituxan, IVIG just to name a few
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is linked to type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with studies showing a higher risk of diabetes in people with MG, potentially due to corticosteroid treatment, reduced physical activity, and underlying inflammatory or metabolic dysregulation. T2DM may also be a risk factor for developing MG, and some research suggests that diabetic MG could be a distinct clinical subtype. The association is complex, with factors like age, sex, and even the specific MG subtype potentially influencing the risk and manifestations of both conditions. Corticosteroid Treatment: A common treatment for MG is corticosteroids, which are known to increase blood sugar levels and can cause high blood sugar or even type 2 diabetes.
Reduced Physical Activity: MG can cause muscle weakness and fatigue, leading to reduced physical activity levels. This sedentary lifestyle can contribute to insulin resistance and an increased risk of T2DM.
Underlying Inflammation: MG is an autoimmune disease, and diabetes, particularly T2DM, is associated with chronic inflammation. These overlapping inflammatory pathways may contribute to the increased prevalence of diabetes in MG patients.
Metabolic Imbalance: Inactivity and other factors in MG can disrupt glucose and lipid metabolism, potentially leading to insulin resistance even in MG patients not on corticosteroids.
It's understandable to be concerned about developing type 2 diabetes while taking corticosteroids like prednisone. Research has shown that taking steroids for MG can increase the risk of developing diabetes by 46 percent. This happens because corticosteroids can:
• Interfere with how cells use insulin
• Prevent fat and Show Full Answer
How Type 2 Diabetes Can Relate to Myasthenia Gravis
Increased Risk Factor: Research indicates that T2DM can be a significant risk factor for developing MG, particularly in women over 50.
Distinct Subtype: Some studies suggest that MG in patients with diabetes might be a unique or distinct subtype, differing from typical MG classifications.
Immune System Dysregulation: Diabetes can aggravate the immune response, which is central to the autoimmune attack in MG, potentially increasing the risk of developing the condition.
Management Considerations
Physical Activity: For MG patients, engaging in individualized physical activity programs can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of T2DM.
Corticosteroid Management: Because corticosteroids can induce diabetes, managing their use is crucial to control blood sugar levels.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar and other metabolic indicators is important for people with MG, even those not taking corticosteroid
I have been on Prednisone 10mg for about 8 years and am concerned about developing diabetes but my Neurologist doesn’t feel other treatments would work as well for me. I also see eye doctor every 4 months to control eye pressure as side effect of Prednisone . I am prescribed Brimododin drops