Can lupus cause a person to become diabetic?

Hi,
That is an excellent question. I did some research and this is what I found.
"In recent years, scientists have discovered 13 common genetic variants that increase the risk of developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; located on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 16. Some of the variants associating with increased risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are also associated with increased risk of developing other disease; two of the variants, on chromosomes 1 and 2, associate with Rheumatoid Arthritis, another on chromosome 1 associates with Ulcerative Colitis, and yet another variant on chromosome 7 associates with Type 2 Diabetes"
from the website: deCODEme.com
Additionally, people with lupus have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, if they are taking prednisone, a powerful corticosteroid drug that quiets the overactive lupus immune system. "Diabetes can happen when prednisone—taken at certain dosages and over certain amounts of time—causes the liver to send out high levels of glucose (sugar) into the blood. Over time, the body becomes less sensitive to the hormone, insulin, which the body needs to break down sugar in the blood and convert it into energy for cells to use." from the website for the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation.
I hope this answers your question.
Maryann