Glucocorticoid vs. Corticosteroid — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 12, 2024
Glucocorticoids are a subtype of corticosteroids, focusing on metabolism and immune response modulation, while corticosteroids include both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, affecting a wider range of bodily functions.
Difference Between Glucocorticoid and Corticosteroid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Glucocorticoids are hormones that primarily affect the body's metabolic processes and have significant anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. They are essential in the stress response, regulating glucose metabolism and reducing inflammation. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, encompass a broader category of steroid hormones, including both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, which affect salt and water balance in the body. This broader category is crucial for managing inflammation, immune response, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a pivotal role in influencing energy production and distribution in the body, particularly by promoting gluconeogenesis, the process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. They are instrumental in the body's ability to respond to stress. Corticosteroids, however, due to their inclusive nature, are involved not only in the body's stress response and energy regulation but also in the regulation of electrolyte levels through mineralocorticoids like aldosterone, which controls sodium retention and potassium excretion.
In medical treatment, glucocorticoids are often prescribed for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, making them effective in treating autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, and other conditions involving excessive inflammation. Corticosteroids, as a broader category, are used in a wider array of treatments, including those requiring the modulation of the body's water and salt balance, alongside treating inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
The side effects of glucocorticoids can include weight gain, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of infections, due to their profound effects on metabolism and the immune system. Corticosteroids, encompassing both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, share these risks but also include potential disturbances in electrolyte balance and BP regulation as side effects, particularly related to the mineralocorticoid activity.
Despite their risks, both glucocorticoids and corticosteroids are indispensable in clinical medicine. Their use must be carefully balanced against their potential side effects, with glucocorticoids being particularly notable for their role in managing chronic conditions requiring long-term inflammation control, while corticosteroids' broader effects make them valuable in a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Modulate metabolism, immune response, and inflammation
Include functions of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
Subtypes Included
N/A
Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids
Medical Uses
Treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammation
Broad use including inflammation, autoimmune diseases, electrolyte balance
Key Hormones
Cortisol
Cortisol, Aldosterone
Side Effects
Weight gain, osteoporosis, increased infection risk
Includes glucocorticoid side effects plus electrolyte imbalances
Compare with Definitions
Glucocorticoid
Hormones that regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and suppress the immune system.
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid that helps control stress response in the body.
Corticosteroid
A class of steroid hormones that includes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, affecting inflammation and electrolyte balance.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effects.
Glucocorticoid
Used medically to treat conditions like asthma, arthritis, and lupus due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Prednisone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is often prescribed to reduce severe inflammation.
Corticosteroid
Produced by the adrenal gland, they play roles in stress response, immune regulation, and homeostasis.
Corticosteroids are crucial for maintaining balance in the body under stressful conditions.
Glucocorticoid
Produced in the adrenal cortex, they are critical in the body’s response to stress.
Glucocorticoids are released during stress to increase glucose levels and aid in metabolism.
Corticosteroid
Used in treating a wider array of conditions, from autoimmune disorders to conditions affecting electrolyte balance.
Fludrocortisone, a synthetic corticosteroid, is used to treat Addison's disease by controlling sodium levels.
Glucocorticoid
Can lead to side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of infection when used long-term.
Long-term use of glucocorticoids may require monitoring for bone density loss.
Corticosteroid
Their use requires careful dosing to minimize risks, especially in long-term treatments.
Physicians often adjust corticosteroid doses based on the minimal effective dose to reduce potential side effects.
Glucocorticoid
They also affect mood, behavior, and cognition, particularly at higher doses.
Patients on glucocorticoids may experience mood swings or difficulties with memory.
Corticosteroid
Any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthetically. There are two kinds: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. They have various metabolic functions and some are used to treat inflammation.
Glucocorticoid
Glucocorticoids (or, less commonly, glucocorticosteroids) are a class of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor that is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell.
Corticosteroid
Any of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex or their synthetic equivalents, including the glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, and the mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone. Also called adrenocorticosteroid.
Glucocorticoid
Any of a group of corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone) which are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and have anti-inflammatory activity.
Corticosteroid
(steroid hormone) Any of a group of steroid hormones, secreted by the adrenal cortex, that are involved in a large range of physiological systems.
Glucocorticoid
Any of a group of steroid hormones, such as cortisol, that are produced by the adrenal cortex, are involved in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Corticosteroid
Any of several synthetic hormones of related structure.
Glucocorticoid
(steroid hormone) Any of a group of steroid hormones, produced by the adrenal cortex, that are involved in metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Corticosteroid
A steroid compound produced by the adrenal cortex, or a synthetic analog of such a compound.
Glucocorticoid
A steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex of animals; affects functioning of gonads and has anti-inflammatory activity
Corticosteroid
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized; administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response;
Adrenal cortical steroids are used to treat many different conditions
Common Curiosities
Are corticosteroids safe?
Corticosteroids can be safe when used correctly and under a healthcare provider's supervision, but they can cause significant side effects if not managed properly.
What are the functions of corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids function to reduce inflammation, regulate electrolyte and water balance, and suppress the immune system.
What are glucocorticoids?
Glucocorticoids are a type of corticosteroid hormone that mainly affect the body's metabolism, immune response, and inflammation.
How are glucocorticoids administered?
Glucocorticoids can be administered orally, intravenously, topically, or via inhalation, depending on the condition being treated.
How do corticosteroids work?
Corticosteroids work by mimicking the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands, regulating various body functions.
What is the difference between glucocorticoids and corticosteroids?
Glucocorticoids are a subtype of corticosteroids focused on metabolism and immune response, while corticosteroids include both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, affecting a broader range of bodily functions.
What conditions are treated with glucocorticoids?
Glucocorticoids are used to treat conditions like asthma, arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Can glucocorticoids cause side effects?
Yes, glucocorticoids can cause side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of infections, especially with long-term use.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, involved in stress response, metabolism, and inflammation regulation.
Can corticosteroids affect mood?
Yes, both glucocorticoids and corticosteroids can affect mood and behavior, potentially causing mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
