Steroid-induced diabetes, also known as steroid diabetes or corticosteroid-induced hyperglycemia, is a type of diabetes that can develop as a result of taking steroid medications for an extended period of time. Steroids are often used to treat conditions such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
Steroid-induced diabetes occurs because steroids can increase blood sugar levels by reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This can cause glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels and the development of diabetes symptoms.
Symptoms of steroid-induced diabetes can include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores or infections. These symptoms may develop slowly over time and can be mistaken for other conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.
Treatment for steroid-induced diabetes may involve lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, oral medications to help control blood sugar levels, and insulin therapy. In some cases, steroid medications may need to be reduced or discontinued in order to manage blood sugar levels.
Prevention of steroid-induced diabetes can be difficult, as the use of steroids may be necessary to treat underlying medical conditions. However, individuals taking steroids for an extended period of time may be advised to have regular blood sugar monitoring and to take steps to manage their blood sugar levels. This may include changes to their diet and exercise routine or adjustments to their steroid medication regimen.