What laboratory test should be monitored closely in a patient taking glucocorticoids?

Monitoring serum glucose levels in patients taking glucocorticoids is essential because these medications can significantly impact glucose metabolism. Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and cortisone, can induce blood sugar elevation by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver, decreasing peripheral glucose uptake, and increasing insulin resistance. This can be particularly concerning in patients with pre-existing diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes, making it vital to monitor glucose levels to manage and possibly mitigate hyperglycemia effectively.

Although monitoring serum potassium levels, complete blood count, and liver function tests can be important in certain clinical contexts, none of these tests directly address the primary metabolic side effects of glucocorticoids like the risk of hyperglycemia, which is a common and significant concern in therapy with these agents. Hence, serum glucose levels are particularly critical to watch in patients on glucocorticoids to ensure appropriate management of their blood sugar levels.