Name two systemic adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy.

• A. Hypertension and weight gain
• B. Anemia and leukopenia
• C. Osteoporosis and hyperglycemia
• D. Liver toxicity and jaundice

Answer: (C)

Long-term corticosteroid therapy disrupts bone and glucose metabolism. Steroids blunt bone formation while promoting bone resorption, reduce calcium absorption from the gut, and increase calcium loss in the urine. This combination leads to osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. At the same time, they raise blood sugar by increasing liver glucose production and causing insulin resistance, which can progress to steroid-induced hyperglycemia or diabetes.

So, the two systemic adverse effects most characteristic of prolonged steroid use are osteoporosis and hyperglycemia. While other effects like weight gain or hypertension can occur, the bone and glucose disturbances are the most defining long-term risks.