Steroid-induced diabetes in rheumatologic patients

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;32(1):126-30. Epub 2013 Oct 17.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Diabetes Mellitus / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus / chemically induced*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Prognosis
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucocorticoids