Long-term systemic steroid use is commonly linked to which metabolic change?

Long-term systemic steroid use is commonly linked to which metabolic change?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperlipidemia

Answer: (A)

Long-term systemic steroids raise blood sugar by boosting hepatic glucose production and reducing the body's sensitivity to insulin. This combination creates hyperglycemia and increases the risk of steroid-induced diabetes with prolonged use or higher doses. While steroids can affect lipids and electrolytes, the most consistent metabolic change seen with chronic glucocorticoid therapy is elevated glucose. Hypoglycemia is unlikely because these drugs promote glucose production, and potassium effects are not as central to this issue.

Long-term systemic steroids raise blood sugar by boosting hepatic glucose production and reducing the body's sensitivity to insulin. This combination creates hyperglycemia and increases the risk of steroid-induced diabetes with prolonged use or higher doses. While steroids can affect lipids and electrolytes, the most consistent metabolic change seen with chronic glucocorticoid therapy is elevated glucose. Hypoglycemia is unlikely because these drugs promote glucose production, and potassium effects are not as central to this issue.