Corticosteroids could constitute a variance if taken prior to a GTT.

Corticosteroids could constitute a variance if taken prior to a GTT.

• A. False
• B. Depends on dosage
• C. True
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (C)

Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose by promoting glucose production in the liver and reducing insulin sensitivity. Taken before a glucose tolerance test, this drug-induced hyperglycemia can alter the test result, introducing a variance that doesn’t reflect the patient’s true glucose tolerance. Even though the magnitude depends on dose and duration, the possibility of interference exists, so the statement is true. The other options miss this real, dose-variant effect or imply no impact.

Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose by promoting glucose production in the liver and reducing insulin sensitivity. Taken before a glucose tolerance test, this drug-induced hyperglycemia can alter the test result, introducing a variance that doesn’t reflect the patient’s true glucose tolerance. Even though the magnitude depends on dose and duration, the possibility of interference exists, so the statement is true. The other options miss this real, dose-variant effect or imply no impact.