Paradox???s

Teacherteacher
0 Recommendations

I was researching information on prednisone tapering and came across this explanation of metabolic changes.

"Neoglucogenesis leads to protein breakdown in muscle, skin and bone leading to delayed wound healing, skin and muscle atrophy.

Corticosteroid therapy causes redistribution of carbohydrate, fat and protein reserves."

Is there anything, exercise, diet, that can be done during the prednisone therapy and taper to minimize the protein breakdown in muscle?

Has the protein moved out of the working muscles causing weakness?

Thanks for any input,
TT

1 reply

Paradox
  • By Paradox
  • Posted July 24, 2008 at 1:27 am

I'm wondering about your source.

The term is gluconeogenesis and it is a biochemical pathway by which the body will make new glucose for the fuel from whatever it can scavenge. This will include breakdown of muscle in only very rare instances when the body enters what is known as a catabolic state. For most of us on this board I would lay odds there are an excess of building blocks and you won't be worrying about catabalism much - it's predominantly a condition associated with starvation or at least severe nutritional deficiencies.

As for corticosteroids redistributing.... (sounds a bit like a cortislim commercial) there is a role that glucocorticoids do play in the distribution of fat deposits which is why people with Cushing's syndrome (and to a lesser extent some of us prednisone junkies) have that large belly and buffalo hump. Tapering off prednisone, it should reverse that trend and certainly has in all the patients I've seen taper down. Personally I'm looking forward to that part, otherwise I'll have to get a new ID badge that reads "Dr. Quasimodo." Gotta love the buffalo hump.

As for what makes tapering easier.... get up at the same time every day. Exercise for 30 - 60 minutes daily. Get some sunlight and fresh air. Go to bed at the same time every night. Don't rush things and keep yourself busy. Oh - and eat right.

Be well

Add to the discussion

New user? Join here.
Forgot password?
Keep me signed in on this computer until I sign out

Search

Find information and discussion about health topics in 233,856 posts by members like yourself. Learn more...

Join

Join safe, secure groups sponsored by trusted organizations that care about your health. Learn more...

Connect

Connect with 62,199 members and make friends who share your interests, learn about conditions and treatments, find support and more. Learn more...

You