When monitoring a patient on corticosteroids, which adverse effect is most commonly observed?

• A. Fragile skin
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Nervousness
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (B)

Corticosteroids disrupt glucose metabolism by increasing hepatic glucose production and causing insulin resistance, which most commonly raises blood sugar levels. This metabolic effect is the hallmark systemic adverse effect of glucocorticoid therapy and can occur quickly, becoming more pronounced with higher doses or longer use. That’s why hyperglycemia is the best answer here. Other listed effects can occur in some patients—fragile skin with long-term or high-dose exposure, nervousness from mood changes, and hypotension is not typical ( steroids tend to cause fluid retention and sometimes hypertension)—but they are less consistently tied to the everyday metabolic impact of corticosteroids. In practice, closely monitor blood glucose and adjust management as needed.