Medication Alert: Corticosteroids

Like glucagon, corticosteroids increase glucose production from the liver, leading to an increase in blood sugars. But they also have another way of increasing blood sugar, by making the insulin we have not as effective (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. Diabetics 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