Name a side effect of the medication prednisone.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. One of its well-known side effects is increased blood glucose levels. This occurs because prednisone can induce insulin resistance in peripheral tissues and stimulate gluconeogenesis in the liver, leading to higher concentrations of glucose in the bloodstream. This effect is particularly significant in patients who may already be at risk for diabetes or are managing existing diabetes.

While medications can have various side effects, the other options listed—such as decreased appetite, weight loss, and dry skin—are not typical responses to prednisone. On the contrary, patients taking this medication often experience increased appetite and weight gain as side effects rather than weight loss. Thus, the elevation of blood glucose levels stands out as a prominent and clinically relevant side effect of prednisone therapy.