I was drawn to your thread because of several reasons - mainly because I count you as a friend that was in need, annd because my husband has diabetes.

First, let me warn you (which I am only doing for those who don't know this rule) to not use our advice as your doctor. Let a professional take care of it (Charlie's advice sounds great).

The whole Western World approach of "doctoring" needs a good kick in the pants. We go to a specialist who refers us to another, who refers us to another. Before long the right hand doesn't know what the left does! So be careful that you keep ALL of your doctors informed (this is not routinely done by the office staff - you must TELL one doctor to send reports to another, etc.). If you don't do this, you can be mixing some volatile therapies. And having one pharmacist is not enough either.

Now, about the prednisone. It is a steroid, and steroids do wonders but should only be used short-term. They will NOT "give" you diabetes, but will elevate your blood sugar (which sounds the same, but isn't). They warn patients not to take them if they already have the disease. And even t hen if proper precautiosn are taken you can still take prednisone.
Quopte from RxList.com:
"If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood (or urine) glucose level frequently, as directed by your doctor. Promptly report any abnormal results as directed. Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet may need to be adjusted. "

One final comment, I have horrible pain when I awaken, also. It's similar to when I have a severe "off" time, only worse. On my own and after consulting a neurologist, internal medicine doctor, pain management specialist, neurosurgeon and an allergy specialists; I have determined that I have "off" dystonia. When my body is without ample dopamine (such as overnight), I have the wrything, painful contortions of dystonia. When my dopamine levels go up, my pain subsides.

You might observe if this is what is happening to you. As far as I know the only treatment for it right now is L-dopa (sinemet brand name), pain-relieving medications, and DBS (deep brain stimulation).

Best to you!
Peggy