What's A Normal Fasting Blood Glucose Level? [6bdde1]
2025-09-13
Medications That Can Increase Blood Sugar Levels: Understanding the Risks
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for overall well-being, and certain medications can have a significant impact on these levels. In this article, we will explore some common medications that can increase blood sugar levels and provide guidance on how to manage them.
1. Steroids: The Blood Sugar Bombs Steroids are commonly prescribed for various medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. However, they have a significant side effect of increasing blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diolic patients. Studies show that even short-term steroid use can cause an increase in fasting glucose levels by up to 20mg/dL (1). This is due to the medication's ability to raise cortisol levels, which can lead to insulin resistance.
2. Certain Antibiotics: An Unexpected Connection Certain antibiotics like corticosteroid-based medications and some penicillins have been shown to increase blood sugar levels in both is 69 low for blood sugar diabetic and non-diabetic patients (2). These medications are often prescribed for infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, but they can also lead to a range of side effects including hypoglycemia. It is essential to monitor your blood sugar regularly if you are taking these antibiotics.
3. Some Psychiatric Medications: A Double-Edged Sword Antipsychotic medications like risperidone and quetiapine have been linked to changes in insulin sensitivity, leading to increased blood sugar levels (3). Additionally, some antidepressants like amitriptyline may cause an increase in glucose tolerance. While these medications can be life-saving for patients with mental health conditions, it is essential to monitor your blood sugar regularly and discuss any does inflammation raise blood sugar concerns with your doctor.
4. Blood Thinners: A Hidden Risk Blood thinners such as warfarin are commonly prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, these medications can also increase the risk of bleeding complications, particularly if blood sugar levels are high (4). Elevated glucose levels can lead to a range of vascular problems, including increased inflammation and reduced tissue oxygenation.
5. Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Careful Balance Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed for menopausal women or those with low hormone levels due to certain medical conditions. While HRT has its benefits, it can also lead to an increase in blood sugar levels if not managed carefully (5). Studies have shown that even short-term use of estrogen-based medications how to lower high blood sugar fast like Premarin can cause a significant decrease in insulin sensitivity.
6. Certain Opioids: A Painful Connection Certain opioids like morphine and codeine are often prescribed for chronic pain management, but they also carry the risk of increasing blood sugar levels (6). These medications can lead to increased cortisol levels, which can contribute to insulin resistance. Regular monitoring is essential if you are taking these medications.
In conclusion, several common medications have been linked to an increase in blood sugar levels. While some may be life-saving for patients with specific medical conditions, it is crucial to discuss any concerns or changes in medication regimen with your doctor and closely monitor your blood glucose levels.
References: (1) Kumar et al. (2018). Short-term steroid use increases fasting glucose levels: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(10), 3523-3532. (2) Figueiredo et al. (2020). Effects of antibiotic medications on blood sugar control in non-diabetic individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 157, 108030. (3) Cegla et al. (2017). Antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 31(1), 23-33. (4) Zhang et al. (2020). The effect of warfarin on glucose metabolism in non-diabetic individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 24(15), 4449-4458. (5) Xiao et al. (2018). Effects of hormone replacement therapy on insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Menopause, 25(3), 247-255. (6) Mousa et al. (2020). The effects of opioid medications on glucose homeostasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, 45(2), e159-e169.
What's A Normal Fasting Blood Glucose Level? 🔴 Subscribe for more tips just like this: Your fasting blood glucose levels can help you determine your body's blood sugar baseline. Here's how to find your fasting blood sugar level: First, don't eat or drink anything with calories for 12 hours (water is okay). Now you're ready to test your blood glucose level. Anything over 100 is considered abnormal. The pre-diabetic range is 100-126. Anything over 126 is considered diabetes. If you're struggling with blood sugar management, our BioCoach prediabetes and diabetes remission system helps you take control of your blood sugar levels and your health. Visit the link below to learn more about BioCoach and let us help you on your health journey today. Website Link: Tiktok: Instagram: