Steroid Induced Diabetes

Steroids are used to reduce inflammation

Corticosteroids are used to reduce harmful inflammation but can lead to diabetes - often referred
to as steroid diabetes.
People on steroids who are already at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes or those who need to take
steroids for longer periods of time are the most susceptible to developing steroid induced
diabetes.
What is the role of steroids?

Steroids are taken to reduce inflammation, brought on by the bodys immune system, and can be
taken as treatment for a number of illnesses including:

Asthma

Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis

Crohns disease

Ulcerative colitis

To achieve their purpose, corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol, a hormone produced by the
kidneys and responsible for brining on our bodys classic stress response of higher blood
pressure and increased blood glucose levels.
Corticosteroids increase insulin resistance thus allowing blood glucose levels to rise and remain
higher.

Read more on steroids and their side effects.

What are the symptoms of steroid induced diabetes?
Related guides and news

Steroids and diabetes

Role of steroid receptors in insulin resistance investigated

Inhaled steroids can increase diabetes risk

People taking steroids may notice the following symptoms of diabetes:

Dry mouth

Blurred vision

Increased thirst

Increased need to urinate

Tiredness and lethargy

However, symptoms may not be present unless blood sugar levels are significantly higher than
normal.
Is steroid induced diabetes permanent?

High blood glucose levels whilst taking steroids may subside after you stop taking steroids,
however, some people may develop type 2 diabetes which will need to be managed for life.
Type 2 diabetes is more likely to develop following longer term usage of steroids, such as usage
of oral corticosteroids for longer than 3 months.
Am I at risk of developing steroid induced type 2 diabetes?

People at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes include:

Those that are overweight

If you have one or more close family members with type 2 diabetes

If you have had gestational diabetes

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome

If you are over 40 and of caucasian origin

If you are over 25 and are of South Asian, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern
origin

Did steroids bring on my type 2 diabetes?

There has been debate as to whether corticosteroids are a cause for diabetes or whether steroids
advance the development of existing type 2 diabetes.
A study published in 2012, carried out by the University of Sydney, looked to investigate
answers to the question.
The study, titled Steroid-Induced Diabetes: Is It Just Unmasking of Type 2 Diabetes?, found that
those which developed new onset steroid induced diabetes had lower risk profiles than is typical
of people with type 2 diabetes