How Prednisone Affects Your Blood Tests

Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, but it can also change several blood test results and affect nutrient balance in the body. Even short-term use can alter electrolytes, blood sugar, and immune cell counts.

Long-term use increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, bone loss, and other complications. Understanding these changes helps healthcare providers monitor side effects and protect your long-term health.

Key Lab Changes with Prednisone

• Sodium increases and potassium decreases, which can raise blood pressure.
• Calcium decreases, contributing to bone loss and osteoporosis risk.
• Blood glucose increases, especially in those prone to diabetes.
• Protein decreases, reflecting changes in metabolism and liver function.
• White blood cells and neutrophils increase, while eosinophils decrease—a typical immune system response to steroids.
• Platelets increase, which may slightly raise clotting potential.

Nutrient Deficiencies Linked to Prednisone

• Chromium and magnesium: Low levels worsen blood sugar control and increase diabetes and osteoporosis risk.
• Zinc: Deficiency impairs thyroid health and wound healing.
• Folate and B vitamins: Low levels may contribute to fatigue, mood changes, and slower cell repair.
• Vitamins A, C, D, and calcium: Deficiencies weaken immunity, increase weight gain, and accelerate bone loss.

Additional Complications from Research

• Long-term corticosteroid use increases risk of infection, blood clots, fractures, and Cushing’s syndrome (Waljee 2017).
• Bone metabolism markers drop rapidly within weeks of treatment, showing early effects on bone health (Kauh 2011).
• Even low doses (10 mg) can impair insulin sensitivity and affect glucose and bone formation within hours (Kauh 2012).

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