Final answer:
Glucocorticoid drugs control symptoms of chronic inflammatory disorders like asthma and arthritis. Yet, they pose risks of hypersecretion effects similar to Cushing's syndrome, such as diabetes, increased infection risk, weight gain, and osteoporosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucocorticoid drugs, such as cortisol and its synthetic derivatives like prednisone, are used to control symptoms of many chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma and arthritis. These potent drugs are effective due to their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions, which downregulate the body's immune system to inhibit the inflammatory response.
However, they carry the risk of causing the undesirable effects associated with the hypersecretion of these hormones, such as those seen in Cushing's syndrome. Some of these effects include high blood glucose levels, increased risk of infections, osteoporosis, weight gain, and thinning of the skin.
Long-term use of glucocorticoids can lead to Cushing's disease, which features symptoms like a moon-shaped face, rapid weight gain, and hair loss, as well as other health problems like type 2 diabetes and reduced immunity. These adverse effects must be carefully considered when prescribing and utilizing glucocorticoid drugs for treatment.