Drugs and chemical substances inducing diabetes - review of the literature

Abstract

A Type 3 of diabetes, classified as secondary diabetes, includes drug-induced or chemical-induced forms of diabetes. We distinguish many types of drugs that can indicate diabetes, among others commonly used glucocorticosteroids, β-blockers and diuretics, antidepressants and antipsychotics, statins, antiviral drugs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of chosen drugs and chemical substances on glycemic control, to analyse the mechanisms of development of drug-induced diabetes and to propose the therapeutic procedures. We conducted the literature review from the last 10 years using the Pubmed and Google Scholar. We analysed reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies published from 2013 to 2023. Mechanisms of diabetes development are various and complex. However, we need to underline the role of drug-induced weight gain. The duration of therapy is also important because longer therapy is usually associated with higher risk of development of diabetes. Drug-induced diabetes is a significant clinical problem. The benefits of using the drug often outweigh the side effects associated with poor glycemic control. Currently, pharmacotherapy of drug-induced diabetes is similar to the standards of treatment for other types of diabetes. Changing therapy to the drug with lower metabolic risk should be considered as far as possible.