Final answer:
Corticosteroids are known to increase the risk of hyperglycemia and DM, while sulfonylureas like gliclazide, which Arya took, primarily pose a risk for hypoglycemia. Pharmacogenetics aims to personalize medicine based on genetic differences, potentially reducing such side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication that has an increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus (DM) is commonly found in the class of drugs known as corticosteroids. This class of medication can raise blood sugar levels, leading to hyperglycemia, and with prolonged use, may also increase the risk of developing DM. In contrast, sulfonylureas, a different class of drugs that includes gliclazide, are used to lower blood sugar levels in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, one of the major side effects of sulfonylureas is hypoglycemia, which is a condition of abnormally low blood sugar. Sulfonylureas work by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low if the dose is too high or if the body responds strongly. Arya's experience with hypoglycemia after taking gliclazide is indicative of such a reaction. Lifestyle changes and medications can sometimes prevent these negative outcomes, like hyperglycemia and diabetes.
The variation in responses to medications among individuals can be due to differences in genetic makeup, which is the focus of pharmacogenetics. This field of medicine seeks to understand how genetic variations affect individual responses to drugs, with the potential to tailor medications to each person's genetic profile, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of side effects.