What is a common side effect of corticosteroid treatment that can impact glucose levels?

Corticosteroids are known to cause hyperglycemia as a common side effect. These medications can increase glucose production in the liver and decrease the uptake of glucose by muscle cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This phenomenon occurs because corticosteroids stimulate gluconeogenesis (the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and can also induce insulin resistance. This effect is particularly significant in patients with pre-existing diabetes or those who are predisposed to developing metabolic issues.

In contrast, hypoglycemia is not directly associated with corticosteroid treatment; rather, corticosteroids can exacerbate any underlying tendencies toward high blood sugar. Hyperkalemia refers to elevated potassium levels and is not a typical effect of corticosteroids; instead, these drugs can often lead to hypokalemia as they may promote potassium loss. Hypertension is another concern with corticosteroid use due to their mineralocorticoid effects, which can cause fluid retention, but it does not directly impact glucose levels like hyperglycemia does. Therefore, hyperglycemia is the most prominent and commonly recognized side effect related to glucose levels in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy.