The suggested treatment is slow withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy under medical supervision. In situations where the medication cannot be discontinued because of the underlying disease (for example, if steroids are needed to treat severe asthma), every effort should be made to reduce the possibilty of developing complications.

Excess glucocortoids can raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increase bone loss.

• High blood sugar should be treated aggressively with diet, oral medications, and/or insulin
• High cholesterol should be treated with diet and/or medications
• Most experts recommend treating patients who will be on steroids for longer than 4-6 weeks in with medication to prevent bone loss (e.g., bisphosphonates like alendronate or risedronate). This will reduce the risk of fracture.

The effects of adrenal atrophy caused by chronic drug administration should be reversible by withdrawing the drug.

• Cushing's syndrome symptoms can cause persistent discomfort.
• Steroids can cause diabetes and high cholesterol levels. If left untreated, both of these complications can increase the risk of heart attacks. Untreated high blood sugar over many years can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
• Cushing's syndrome can also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis) and increase the risk of fracture.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are taking a corticosteroid drug and you develop symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.