In a patient receiving prednisone, which laboratory value should be regularly checked?

In a patient receiving prednisone, which laboratory value should be regularly checked?

• A. Glucose
• B. Potassium
• C. Creatinine
• D. Cholesterol

Answer: (A)

Prednisone can raise blood sugar by promoting glucose production in the liver and reducing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Because of this, monitoring glucose regularly is essential to catch hyperglycemia or steroid-induced diabetes early and adjust treatment if needed. While steroids can influence other labs, such as potassium (due to mineralocorticoid effects) or lipids with long-term use, glucose monitoring is the primary and most consistent monitoring need with prednisone therapy.

Prednisone can raise blood sugar by promoting glucose production in the liver and reducing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Because of this, monitoring glucose regularly is essential to catch hyperglycemia or steroid-induced diabetes early and adjust treatment if needed. While steroids can influence other labs, such as potassium (due to mineralocorticoid effects) or lipids with long-term use, glucose monitoring is the primary and most consistent monitoring need with prednisone therapy.