Through a variety of mechanisms, certain classes of pharmacological agents commonly used in clinical practice may interfere with glucose homeostasis in a transient, reversible or in a permanent manner. The outcomes of such interactions may range from intermediate hyperglycaemia to new-onset diabetes mellitus in people with underlying genetic, lifestyle and physiological risks for diabetes, to worsened glycaemic control in individuals with known diabetes.
When prescribing such agents, clinicians should be mindful of the risks related to glucose homeostasis, especially in people with pre-existing risk factors. Where no alternate choices exist, careful monitoring is recommended.
