Which metabolic effect is most commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy?

Which metabolic effect is most commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Answer: (B)

Corticosteroids most commonly raise blood glucose. They stimulate hepatic gluconeogenesis and reduce peripheral glucose uptake, causing insulin resistance. This combination leads to hyperglycemia, especially with higher doses or longer courses and in patients with diabetes or prediabetes. While mineralocorticoid activity from some steroids can cause sodium retention and potassium losses (which can lead to hypokalemia in some cases), the characteristic and most frequent metabolic effect is elevated glucose. Therefore, hyperglycemia is the best answer.

Corticosteroids most commonly raise blood glucose. They stimulate hepatic gluconeogenesis and reduce peripheral glucose uptake, causing insulin resistance. This combination leads to hyperglycemia, especially with higher doses or longer courses and in patients with diabetes or prediabetes. While mineralocorticoid activity from some steroids can cause sodium retention and potassium losses (which can lead to hypokalemia in some cases), the characteristic and most frequent metabolic effect is elevated glucose. Therefore, hyperglycemia is the best answer.