Medication-Induced Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Current Literature and Practical Management Strategies

Abstract

Abstract With the increasing global incidence of diabetes mellitus, physicians may encounter more patients with acute and chronic complications of medication-induced hyperglycemia and diabetes. Moreover, medication-induced diabetes may be an important contributing factor to the high rates of diabetes, and recognizing its impact and risk is a critical step in curtailing its effect on the global population. It has long been recognized that multiple classes of medications are associated with hyperglycemia through various mechanisms, and the ability to foresee this and implement adequate management strategies are important. Moreover, different antihyperglycemic medications are better suited to combat the hyperglycemia encountered with different classes of medications, so it is critical that physicians can recognize which agents should be used, and which medications to avoid in certain types of medication-induced hyperglycemia. In this review, we will discuss the evidence behind the main classes of medications that cause hyperglycemia, their mechanism of action, specific agents that are associated with worsened glycemic control, and, most importantly, management strategies that are tailored to each specific class.