Steroid Treatment Linked to Increased Risk of Developing Diabetes

A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford in the UK has found that receiving steroid treatment more than doubles the risk of developing diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from 450,000 patients, revealed that the risk of developing diabetes in patients who received steroid treatment was up to 2.6 times higher than in patients who did not receive the treatment.

Steroids are commonly used to treat inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. However, some small studies have reported that steroids have the side effect of increasing blood sugar levels and may cause diabetes.

The research team, led by Professor Rajna Golubic of Oxford Medical School, conducted a controlled clinical trial on 450,000 patients who visited Oxford University Hospital between January 2013 and October 2023. The study found that among the 17,258 patients who received steroid treatment, 316 patients (1.8%) developed diabetes, compared to 3,430 patients (0.8%) who did not receive steroid treatment.

When all other factors such as age and gender were removed, the risk of developing diabetes in patients who received steroid treatment was found to be significantly higher than in patients who did not receive the treatment. Professor Golubic emphasized the importance of considering these side effects when prescribing steroids, stating that “medical professionals need to fully consider these side effects when prescribing steroids.”

Key Findings:

• Receiving steroid treatment more than doubles the risk of developing diabetes.
• The risk of developing diabetes in patients who received steroid treatment was up to 2.6 times higher than in patients who did not receive the treatment.
• Steroids are commonly used to treat inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.