:wave: Hi, I am failrly new to Addisons and am on cortef. My problems is secondary due to non prduction of the pituatuary in the brain.


I am worried about deibetis with this drug. All I was told was to aviod sugar and starches. wih out at least some I feel like I have no energy. I also take thyriod medication. Just how much starches are to much. I have not gain any wait as of yet. It is kind of hard to exersise with back problems and nueropathy in my arms and legs.

Just ahat is the proper diet?

IF you eat the right things, you can still have the same amount of energy. Sugar and some starches (such as potatoes) provide a very quick release of energy. You need things which will provide a steady stream. Stuff like nuts and seeds would be a very good place to start.

Generally, the strategy is to eat carbohydrates together with fiber and/or protein.

Why do you have neuropathy? Do you already have diabetes or are you just worried about getting it?

If you HAVE diabetes, you need a LOT more information than you've been given. Glucocorticoids like HC and prednsione stimulate the liver to release glucose, and will drive up your blood sugar on their own, even without food. (This is what is behind the "dawn phenomonon", btw). Spacing out the doses appropriately rather than as a single dose will help, but no amount of diet change will eliminate the problem. (It will help to avoid worsening it).

If you have neuropathy, you definitely need to keep your glucose levels in range, and watch closely for problems.

I'll stop here, but if you have diabetes, let me know and I'll post more info.

No, I have not been diagnosed with diabites, my sugar levels are checked, some helath officials have told me to eat mostly meats. then I have read just a normal deit with out to much sugar. They all have me confused. What about fruits, desserts, etc. My neuopathy is from a decompression surgery on the scull and fibermyalgia and bone probems mixed together all which had to good of head start on me before diagnosis of the skull being to small for 50 years and the death of the pituatary gland causing Addisons desease.

cheryl Smih

Cheryl,

ARe all your other hormones low to that the puitary makes? I think I may have secondary adrenal insuficiency. My ACTH is always low. What is your level of ACTH normally? I also have Fibro...did the small scull cause the death of the puitary? Sorry you are going through this...it isn't fun.