Certain medications—including steroids, antipsychotics, and some diuretics—can raise blood sugar as a side effect.

Glucocorticoids (steroids) promote gluconeogenesis and reduce glucose uptake, antipsychotics may cause weight gain and insulin resistance, and drugs like thiazide diuretics or beta‑blockers can impair insulin secretion. These effects are documented in medication‑related hyperglycemia warnings, advising patients to monitor glucose when starting such treatments.