Medication Alert: Corticosteroids (Raises Blood Sugar)

Like glucagon, corticosteroids increase glucose production from the liver, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. But they also have another way of increasing the amount of sugar in our blood. The interfere with insulin’s ability to work on it’s receptor (insulin resistance).

• Role: Commonly used for conditions like asthma, steroids are important for reducing inflammation and modifying immune responses.

Correlation: Both glucagon and corticosteroids enhance liver glucose production, but corticosteroids also disrupt insulin function. People with diabetes prescribed corticosteroids need to monitor their blood sugar closely and consult their healthcare provider to adjust their diabetes treatment as necessary. Here are a few common examples:

• Prednisone

• Prednisolone

• Dexamethasone

• Hydrocortisone

• Methylprednisolone