Patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia should avoid what type of food?

In patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia, the primary concern is managing blood glucose levels, as steroids can lead to increased glucose production in the liver and reduced insulin sensitivity. Concentrated sweets, which include foods high in simple sugars, can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. These foods are quickly absorbed and can overwhelm the body’s ability to manage sugar levels, particularly in individuals already at risk for high blood sugar due to steroid use.

By avoiding concentrated sweets, patients can better maintain stable blood glucose levels, which is essential in managing steroid-induced hyperglycemia. Other types of foods, such as high protein or high fiber options, generally have less of an immediate impact on blood glucose and can be more beneficial when constructing a balanced diet. Low-fat foods also do not directly contribute to hyperglycemia and may be included as part of a healthy diet. Thus, the focus should be on minimizing intake of concentrated sweets to support better glucose control.