In a previous Oregon Health News article, an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) subject matter expert shared that Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be caused by medications. A curious reader wrote in to learn more:
Q: Your article says Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be caused by some medications. What medications might contribute to people developing diabetes?
A: Several prescription and over-the-counter medication classes can raise blood sugar levels or contribute to the development of new-onset Type 2 diabetes, particularly in people with pre-existing risk factors.
Common medication classes linked to blood sugar increases
- Corticosteroids: Steroids like prednisone raise blood sugar by increasing glucose production in the liver and reducing insulin sensitivity in muscle tissues.
- Statins: Medications used to lower cholesterol, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), have a small link to increased blood sugar and insulin resistance over long-term or high-dose use.
- Thiazide Diuretics: Blood pressure medications like hydrochlorothiazide can impair how the body handles insulin, occasionally leading to new-onset diabetes over several months of use.
- Beta-Blockers: Used for high blood pressure and heart conditions, these can slightly increase blood glucose and reduce insulin sensitivity.
- Second-Generation Antipsychotics: Drugs like clozapine and olanzapine can alter metabolic function, promote weight gain, and interfere with insulin secretion.
- Protease Inhibitors: Certain antiviral medications used for HIV can negatively impact glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.
Some over-the-counter medicines that can raise your blood sugar include:
- Pseudoephedrine: A decongestant in some cold and flu medicines.
- Cough syrup: Ask your doctor if you should take regular or sugar-free.
- Niacin: A type of B vitamin.
If you are concerned about a specific medication, talk to your healthcare provider.
Oregon Health Authority Diabetes Prevention and Control program partners with organizations across the state to offer health classes and services that help prevent, manage, and reduce the impact of diabetes.
Health education and prevention programs
- National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP): A year-long class for people with prediabetes or those at risk for type 2 diabetes. It focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management. The program has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent for adults under 60, and by 71 percent for adults 60 and older.
- Diabetes Self-Management Program: A 6‑week class that meets for 2.5 hours each week and supports adults with type 2 diabetes in managing their condition. Participants learn practical skills to fit diabetes care into their daily lives. There is also a version of this class offered in Spanish: Programa de Manejo Personal de la Diabetes.
- Eligibility: These programs are open to adults who have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes.
- Insurance: The Oregon Health Plan (Oregon Medicaid), Medicare, and some private insurance covers these diabetes related health classes.
- How to find these classes: Ask your healthcare provider about in-person or online classes in your community. You can also find classes by using the statewide class finder at www.oregonwellnessnetwork.org.
For Health care providers
- Oregon Health Authority offers resources for healthcare providers on the Resources for People with Diabetes, Providers and Payers web page.
- OHA partnered with the Oregon Medical Association to create healthcare provider toolkits for diabetes and prediabetes.
For Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs)
- CCOs interested in bringing the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to their service areas can review the National DPP Companion Guide for Coordinated Care Organizations and Health System Partners Serving the Oregon Health Plan Members
You can find more information through the Oregon Health Authority Diabetes Webpage