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.