Prednisone increases the number of insulin receptors on monocytes from normal subjects

The effect of prednisone on insulin receptors on circulating monocytes was studied in 38 normal volunteers. Intake of prednisone in doses which are usually employed in clinical treatment (40 mg/day) was associated with a significant increase int the number of insulin receptors. The rise in insulin binding was maximal 7 h after the begining of the medication and it was dose related.