Can steroids increase blood sugar?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, steroids can raise blood sugar levels, even in people without diabetes. Corticosteroids like prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone reduce insulin sensitivity and prompt the liver to release more glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar known as steroid-induced hyperglycemia.

Key facts:

Blood sugar spikes can occur within hours of starting steroids.
Higher doses and longer treatment increase the risk.
Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Non-diabetics can develop temporary or, in some cases, long-term diabetes.

If you're taking steroids and noticing changes in how you feel, it's important not to guess. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly identify possible causes, understand your risk, and decide on the right next steps—whether that's monitoring at home or speaking with a doctor. Taking a few minutes now could save you from bigger health issues later.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are medications that can help with inflammation and other issues. However, they can also cause blood sugar levels to rise. According to research, even people who do not have diabetes can experience higher blood sugar levels when taking steroids.

How Steroids Affect Blood Sugar:

Steroid Types: Different types of steroids, whether taken by mouth or through an IV, can affect blood sugar levels.
Non-Diabetic Patients: Studies have shown that even people without diabetes can have glucose disturbances when on steroids.
Corticosteroid-Induced Diabetes: Long-term use of steroids may lead to a condition known as corticosteroid-induced diabetes, where blood sugar levels become consistently high.

If you are taking steroids and experiencing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or unusual fatigue, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be happening. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about managing any changes in your blood sugar levels while on steroid treatment.

(References)

Tamez Perez HE, Gómez de Ossio MD, Quintanilla Flores DL, Hernández Coria MI, Tamez Peña AL, Cuz Pérez GJ, & Proskauer Peña SL. (2012). Glucose disturbances in non-diabetic patients receiving .... Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992), 22392327.
Limbachia V, Nunney I, Page DJ, Barton HA, Patel LK, Thomason GN, et al. (2024). The effect of different types of oral or intravenous .... Clinical therapeutics, 38061932.
Bastin M, & Andreelli F. (2020). [Corticosteroid-induced diabetes: Novelties in .... La Revue de medecine interne, 32782164.

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