HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Insulin Dependent, PSA Reading Inconsistent. Sugar In Blood Causing This? Rectal Exam Shows Enloarded Prostate

default
Posted on Sat, 16 Jun 2012
Question: I'm 70 & insulin dependent. Over the last 15/10 years my PSA has been up & down between 3.2 (at the lowest) & 5.8 (at the highest). Last year it was 5.3. Recent test show 6.3. Would sugar in the blood be the cause for the inconsistent readings? The rectal exam shows a slightly enloarded prostate with no lumps, and soft. Should I b worried, and should I have a biopsy? XXXXXXX XXXXXXX PS recently (over the past year) I've had several steroid injections for back issues.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Raised blood glucose levels are not likely to cause a rise in levels of PSA.
On the contrary it has been seen that long term diabetic men have a lower risk of prostate cancer and have a lower levels of PSA.
If on examination no prostate abnormality is found and you are not having any urinary symptoms right now then there is no need of getting a biopsy done at these levels. However it might be advisable if the levels of PSA rise further on a follow up test.
Steroid injections might influence androgen levels causing a mild rise in PSA levels. You can go for a repeat test after 5-6 months to see the effect.
I hope this answers your query effectively.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Insulin Dependent, PSA Reading Inconsistent. Sugar In Blood Causing This? Rectal Exam Shows Enloarded Prostate

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Raised blood glucose levels are not likely to cause a rise in levels of PSA.
On the contrary it has been seen that long term diabetic men have a lower risk of prostate cancer and have a lower levels of PSA.
If on examination no prostate abnormality is found and you are not having any urinary symptoms right now then there is no need of getting a biopsy done at these levels. However it might be advisable if the levels of PSA rise further on a follow up test.
Steroid injections might influence androgen levels causing a mild rise in PSA levels. You can go for a repeat test after 5-6 months to see the effect.
I hope this answers your query effectively.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.