Steroid-Induced Diabetes: Understanding the Link & Management

Diabetics who take steroids may find it more difficult to control their blood glucose levels, as these drugs can interfere with insulin activity and stimulate the additional release of glucose into the blood.

Interference With Insulin

• Steroids can induce insulin resistance by blocking it from doing what it normally does. Insulin resistance is a key symptom of diabetes.

Blocking Glucose Uptake

• Steroids prevent the absorption of glucose by cells, resulting in a rise in its levels in the blood.

Additional Glucose Release

• Steroids can induce the liver to release more glucose into the blood and complicate efforts to control sugar levels.

Type of Steroids

• Oral steroids can cause glucose levels to rise in just a few days. Injected steroids can do this shortly after administration.

Ask Your Doctor

• If you are a diabetic taking steroids and your glucose levels are rising, see your doctor about adjusting your medications.