Which of the following is a common side effect of corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are a class of medications used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. A common side effect of corticosteroids is elevated blood glucose levels. This occurs because corticosteroids can affect carbohydrate metabolism, leading to increased gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and decreased glucose uptake by peripheral tissues. As a result, individuals taking corticosteroids may experience hyperglycemia, which is particularly important for patients with diabetes or those at risk of diabetes.

Understanding this side effect is crucial for managing patients on corticosteroid therapy, especially in monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting diabetic treatments as needed. This response underscores the metabolic effects corticosteroids have in the body, contrasting with the other options that do not typically align with the known side effects of corticosteroid use.