Corticosteroid

Prednisolone / prednisone

Also known as: Deltasone, Pred Forte (oral forms)

Best time

Morning

06:00–09:00

Taken in the morning to mirror the body's natural cortisol peak and limit side effects.

Strong evidence

Consistent clinical trials or official prescribing guidance support this timing.

Why this time works

Cortisol naturally peaks soon after waking. A morning steroid dose fits this rhythm, causing less suppression of the body's own adrenal glands and less insomnia than evening dosing.

Body rhythm involved

Cortisol peaks 30–45 minutes after waking and is lowest around midnight.

Other hormones & diabetes medicines

Levothyroxine

Synthroid, Euthyrox

On waking, empty stomach — or bedtime

Hormones & diabetesStrong evidence

Hydrocortisone (replacement)

Cortef, Plenadren

Largest dose on waking, smaller early afternoon

Hormones & diabetesStrong evidence

Metformin

Glucophage, Glucophage XR

With meals (XR with the evening meal)

Hormones & diabetesStrong evidence