A 50-year-old woman is started on oral prednisolone 7.5mg once daily for arthritis. Which of the following is a common adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy?

• A. Hyperglycemia and increased appetite, which can contribute to weight gain
• B. Hypoglycemia and weight loss
• C. Hair loss and nail changes
• D. Hyponatremia and dehydration

Answer: (A)

Systemic corticosteroids disrupt glucose metabolism and appetite regulation, leading to hyperglycemia and increased appetite that can cause weight gain. Prednisolone stimulates hepatic glucose production and reduces peripheral glucose uptake, while also enhancing central appetite signals. These metabolic effects are common with ongoing corticosteroid therapy for conditions like arthritis, making hyperglycemia and weight gain a typical adverse profile. The other options describe effects that are not characteristic for corticosteroids: hypoglycemia and weight loss are unlikely, hair/nail changes and hyponatremia/dehydration are not common patterns for standard steroid therapy.