In Cushing's syndrome, what change occurs to blood sugar levels?

In Cushing's syndrome, what change occurs to blood sugar levels?

• A. Increased
• B. Decreased
• C. No change
• D. Fluctuates significantly

Answer: (A)

In Cushing's syndrome, there is an increase in blood sugar levels. This condition is characterized by an overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a significant role in various metabolic processes, including the regulation of glucose. Under normal circumstances, cortisol helps to increase blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and decreasing the uptake of glucose by tissues, which ultimately leads to elevated blood sugar levels. As a result of the excess cortisol in Cushing's syndrome, individuals typically experience hyperglycemia, which can sometimes lead to steroid-induced diabetes. This aspect of the syndrome is important for recognizing and managing potential complications, as well as for understanding the overall metabolic implications of having elevated cortisol levels.

In Cushing's syndrome, there is an increase in blood sugar levels. This condition is characterized by an overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a significant role in various metabolic processes, including the regulation of glucose.

Under normal circumstances, cortisol helps to increase blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and decreasing the uptake of glucose by tissues, which ultimately leads to elevated blood sugar levels.

As a result of the excess cortisol in Cushing's syndrome, individuals typically experience hyperglycemia, which can sometimes lead to steroid-induced diabetes. This aspect of the syndrome is important for recognizing and managing potential complications, as well as for understanding the overall metabolic implications of having elevated cortisol levels.