Steroid-Induced Diabetes: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do

When you take steroid-induced diabetes, a form of high blood sugar triggered by corticosteroid medications. It's not the same as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but it behaves like it—your body can't handle sugar the way it should because these drugs interfere with insulin. This isn’t rare. People on long-term corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone or methylprednisolone for conditions like asthma, arthritis, or autoimmune diseases often see their blood sugar climb. And if you're already at risk for diabetes—overweight, older, or with a family history—this can push you over the edge.

How does it happen? corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone or methylprednisolone tell your liver to dump more glucose into your bloodstream. At the same time, they make your muscles and fat cells less responsive to insulin. So sugar builds up. You might not feel anything at first—no thirst, no frequent urination—but your numbers will tell the story. That’s why doctors check blood sugar in people on steroids, especially if they’re on doses over 20mg daily for more than a few weeks.

It’s not always permanent. For many, blood sugar returns to normal once the steroids are stopped. But for others, especially those with hidden insulin resistance, this can become a long-term condition. That’s why monitoring matters. If you’re on these meds, ask for a fasting glucose test or an HbA1c. Don’t wait for symptoms. And if your sugar starts rising, small changes can help—cutting back on sugary foods, walking after meals, staying hydrated. It’s not about drastic diets. It’s about awareness.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how other drugs—like NSAIDs and statins—can also nudge blood sugar up, and how to spot hidden side effects before they become problems. There’s also guidance on how to talk to your doctor about balancing treatment benefits with risks. This isn’t about avoiding necessary meds. It’s about knowing what’s happening inside your body so you can act before things get serious.