1. Corticosteroids Examples: Prednisone Dexamethasone Hydrocortisone Corticosteroids are widely used to treat asthma, arthritis, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. How they affect blood sugar: They reduce the body’s response to insulin and increase glucose release from the liver, leading to high blood sugar. 2. Antipsychotic Medications Examples: Clozapine Olanzapine These medicines are used to manage mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. How they affect blood sugar: They can cause weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes. 3. Thiazide Diuretics (Water Pills) Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide Used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. How they affect blood sugar: They may reduce insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood glucose levels. 4. Statins (Cholesterol Medicines) Examples: Atorvastatin Simvastatin Statins help lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Effect on blood sugar: They can slightly increase blood sugar, especially in people already at risk of diabetes. 👉 The heart-protective benefits usually outweigh this risk. 5. Beta-Blockers Examples: Atenolol Metoprolol Used for high blood pressure and heart disease. Effect on diabetes: They may worsen blood sugar control and can hide symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetic patients. 6. HIV Medications Examples: Some antiretroviral drugs How they affect blood sugar: They can interfere with insulin action and glucose metabolism, increasing diabetes risk. Who Is Most at Risk? You are more likely to develop medication-induced diabetes if you: Have a family history of diabetes Are overweight Have prediabetes Use these medicines long-term or at high doses Important Advice ✅ Do not stop your medication without talking to a healthcare professional ✅ Monitor blood sugar regularly if you are on long-term treatment ✅ Maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle Final Thoughts Medicines save lives, but some can affect blood sugar levels. Knowing which drugs can increase diabetes risk helps patients and healthcare providers monitor early and prevent complications.

Disclaimer & Credit: All medical articles including ours, are informative and provide population trends not specific to individuals which can be very different. Always seek personalized medical advice from your doctor for individual healthcare decisions.

Posted January 16, 2026