What is a common side effect of long-term corticosteroid use in clients?

Long-term use of corticosteroids is commonly associated with hyperglycemia due to their effects on glucose metabolism. Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver and reducing the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. As a result, patients who are on prolonged corticosteroid therapy may experience elevated blood sugar levels, which can be particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes. This metabolic effect is significant and well-documented, making hyperglycemia a common and important side effect to monitor in patients receiving corticosteroid treatment.

In contrast, issues like bradycardia, hair loss, and sleep apnea are not typically recognized as direct side effects of corticosteroid therapy. Bradycardia might stem from different factors, hair loss can be caused by various conditions or medications unrelated to corticosteroids, and sleep apnea relates to respiratory issues that aren't commonly linked to corticosteroid use. Therefore, hyperglycemia stands out as a notable risk associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy.