Causes of Steroid-Induced Diabetes
In healthy people, the pancreas produces insulin, which goes to the liver, to help reduce blood sugar levels. Taking steroids could make the liver less sensitive to this substance. As a result, the liver keeps releasing sugar and signals the pancreases to stop producing insulin.
Steroids can also mimic cortisol, a hormone linked to stress response and produced by the adrenal glands. The excessive amount of cortisol would make muscle and fat cells less sensitive to insulin. In diabetic patients, this means that they have to take more insulin or medication to keep blood sugar levels stable. Therefore, using steroids in the long run may increase the risk of insulin resistance, meaning that the cells do not respond to insulin properly and increase levels of blood sugar. To reduce the overall risk, you should notice any suspicious signs and take steroids for a short period if possible. [4]
