What is the appropriate use of prednisone?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Among the choices, the appropriate use of prednisone is linked to the need for careful management in patients, particularly those with certain health conditions like diabetes mellitus.

When using prednisone, especially over a long duration, it can elevate blood glucose levels. Therefore, for clients with diabetes mellitus, monitoring blood glucose is crucial to prevent hyperglycemia, which can lead to complications. This is because corticosteroids can induce insulin resistance and alter glucose metabolism, necessitating vigilant monitoring and often adjustments to diabetes management.

Long-term use of prednisone is associated with several potential side effects and health risks, including weight gain, osteoporosis, hypertension, and increased risk of infection. Therefore, it is also advised to limit the duration of therapy when possible. While adjustments in dosage may be necessary based on individual patient factors, particularly in children and older adults where physiological changes can affect metabolism and pharmacokinetics, the monitoring of blood glucose levels takes precedence in managing patients with diabetes.

In contrast, safe long-term use without monitoring does not align with the risks associated with corticosteroid therapy. Adjustments based on age are often necessary for optimizing treatment in different demographics, and there can be dietary considerations when