Which laboratory parameter is increased by corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are known to influence various metabolic processes in the body, one of which is an increase in blood glucose levels. This happens because corticosteroids promote gluconeogenesis, the process by which the liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. They also inhibit the action of insulin, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels as insulin is responsible for helping cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy.

As a result, patients taking corticosteroids may experience hyperglycemia, which can be especially significant in individuals with diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes. This effect on blood glucose is a crucial consideration in clinical practice, especially in the context of managing patients receiving corticosteroid therapy.

The other options do not reflect an increase associated with corticosteroids in the same way. Potassium levels may decrease due to corticosteroids causing urinary potassium loss, sodium levels can be influenced but typically do not increase due to corticosteroid therapy as much as there may be sodium retention or changes in fluid balance, and bicarbonate levels are generally affected by respiratory or metabolic conditions rather than directly increased by corticosteroid use. Understanding these effects is essential for clinicians in monitoring and managing patients on corticosteroid therapy.