A middle-aged female is presented with COPD, respiratory failure, and prediabetes is being treated with systemic corticosteroids for acute bronchitis. Since starting steroid therapy, her blood glucose levels have remained around 190 mg/dL, and she has a slow-healing wound on her arm. She does not normally require insulin. Which pathophysiological mechanism best explains the delayed wound healing in this patient?
A. Cortisol activation leads to increased insulin sensitivity and enhanced collagen production.
B. Elevated cortisol levels cause insulin resistance, impaired leukocyte function, and decreased collagen synthesis.
C. Acute hypoglycemia resulting in reduced tissue perfusion and delayed cellular repair.
D. Increased parasympathetic nervous system activity causing accelerated tissue regeneration.