Lifestyle and home remedies

Long-term treatment with corticosteroids can cause a number of side effects. You can minimize these problems by taking the following steps:

• Protect your bones. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D and calcium you need in your diet, and discuss whether you should take supplements.
• Exercise. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important when you're taking corticosteroid medications that can cause weight gain. Strength training and weight-bearing exercises such as walking and jogging also help improve bone health.
• Eat a healthy diet. Steroids can cause high blood sugar levels and, eventually, type 2 diabetes. Eat foods that help keep blood sugar stable, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.