Steroid-induced Hyperglycaemia: A Myth or Fact; Our Experience at a Tertiary care Hospital in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment in dermatology and other specialities of medicine, due to their strong immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory action. However, their side effects limit their use often. Hyperglycaemia is one of the commonest and potentially damaging adverse effects associated. Not much research is done on steroid-induced hyperglycaemia in our part of the world.

Objective: To estimate the frequency of development of hyperglycaemia among patients on systemic corticosteroids for skin disorders.

Methods: We enrolled 120 patients of both genders and ages between 18 and 70 years in this descriptive case series, presenting to the Dermatology Department of Services Hospital, Lahore for 6 months. Patients on 30mg or more of prednisolone for the first time for the management of various dermatological disorders were enrolled. Blood sugar levels of the patients, both fasting and postprandial were measured in venous samples 1 week after initiation of therapy to assess the development of steroid hyperglycemia.

Results: Patients’ mean age at presentation was 49.64±12.41 years. Sixty-four (53.33%) patients were male while fifty-six (46.67%) patients were females. Steroid induced-hyperglycemia was found in 25(20.83%) out of 120 patients.

Conclusion: Steroid induce hyperglycemia occurred in one-fifth (20.83%) of the patients.

Keywords: Steroid-induced hyperglycemia; myth; dermatological disorders