Optimizing the Treatment of Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia.

OBJECTIVE

To review therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed (1990 to June 2017) was conducted using the search terms steroid, glucocorticoid, corticosteroid, hyperglycemia, and diabetes as well via review of literature citations.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant clinical trials and case studies focusing on pharmacological interventions in humans were reviewed for inclusion. Articles discussing islet cell transplant were excluded.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Hyperglycemia is a predictable adverse effect of glucocorticoid therapy, which is associated with negative outcomes, including an odds ratio of 1.36 for developing new-onset diabetes. A variety of strategies have been utilized for managing patients who are at risk of complications caused by steroid-induced hyperglycemia. Agents such as sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptidase-1 agonists, and insulin have been evaluated in case studies and small clinical trials with varying degrees of success.

CONCLUSIONS

Since there are limited clinical data available to guide therapy, strategies that minimize the risk of adverse effects should be selected for the management of steroid-induced hyperglycemia. Therapies that may be safe and effective given current information include DPP-4 inhibitors, metformin, and weight-based neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin.