For which condition is the use of corticosteroids most often linked to increased blood glucose levels?

Corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose levels due to their influence on carbohydrate metabolism. When administered, these steroids can increase gluconeogenesis in the liver and decrease insulin sensitivity, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This effect is particularly noted in chronic inflammatory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), where corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to manage inflammation and respiratory symptoms.

In other conditions like Type 1 diabetes mellitus, while corticosteroids may also raise blood glucose levels, they are typically not prescribed as a treatment. Elevated blood pressure and kidney failure do not have a direct or common treatment involving corticosteroids that would significantly affect blood glucose levels in the same way as in COPD. Therefore, the link between corticosteroid use and increased blood glucose is most often observed in the context of managing COPD.