Steroid-induced diabetes in rheumatologic patients

CER6574
2014 Vol.32, N°1
PI 0126, PF 0130
Review

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PMID: 24143933 [PubMed]

Received: 21/04/2013
Accepted : 30/07/2013
In Press: 17/10/2013
Published: 10/02/2014

Abstract

Glucocorticoids are widely used to suppress inflammation – especially in the acute phase – in several inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatologic diseases. Despite their efficacy, their long-term use or at high doses is associated with numerous well-characterised side effects. Hyperglycaemia or frank diabetes is one of the most common, as its prevalence is estimated between 10–20%. Its pathophysiology is mainly due to increased insulin resistance. In this review, we provide a practical guide on how to monitor patients who are started on glucocorticoids, and how to detect and manage steroid-induced hyperglycaemia or diabetes.