What type of therapy is known to mimic Cushing's syndrome?

Corticosteroid therapy is known to mimic Cushing's syndrome because it involves the administration of glucocorticoids, which are steroid hormones that can influence metabolism and immune responses in the body. When corticosteroids are used for therapeutic purposes, especially in high doses or for extended periods, they can lead to symptoms and signs similar to those seen in Cushing's syndrome.

Cushing's syndrome itself is characterized by excess cortisol in the body, which can result in symptoms such as weight gain, rounded face, abdominal striae, hypertension, and glucose intolerance. When patients receive corticosteroid therapy, these same effects can be observed due to the elevated levels of cortisol-like substances, leading to the characteristic manifestations of the syndrome.

In contrast, the other therapies mentioned do not produce similar effects to Cushing’s syndrome. Insulin therapy is primarily focused on regulating blood glucose levels, antibiotic therapy targets bacterial infections, and radiation therapy is used in various oncological treatments but does not lead to the hormonal changes typically associated with Cushing's syndrome. Thus, corticosteroid therapy is appropriately identified as the therapy that can mimic the syndrome.