Patients undergoing treatment with systemic glucocorticoids, commonly known as steroids, face more than twice the risk of developing diabetes compared to those not receiving these medications. This finding will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid from September 9-13.
Glucocorticoids are widely prescribed to manage a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers. While effective in reducing inflammation, these drugs are associated with significant adverse effects, including elevated blood sugar levels and an increased risk of diabetes. The risk is particularly pronounced with systemic forms of glucocorticoids, such as tablets and injections, as opposed to topical applications like creams or inhalers.
A new study conducted by researchers at the Diabetes Trials Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, sheds light on the prevalence of new-onset diabetes among patients treated with systemic glucocorticoids. The research found that these patients are 2.6 times more likely to develop diabetes compared to those not receiving glucocorticoid therapy.
Study leader Dr. Rajna Golubic noted, “Previous data on the relationship between glucocorticoid use and new-onset diabetes came from small studies focused on specific conditions. Our aim was to provide a broader perspective on how frequently diabetes occurs in patients treated with these drugs.”
The study analyzed data from 451,606 adults (average age 52 years, 55% female, 69% White) admitted to the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between January 1, 2013, and October 1, 2023. All participants were diabetes-free at the study’s outset and had not been prescribed systemic glucocorticoids.
Of the 17,258 patients who received systemic glucocorticoids during their hospital stay, 316 (1.8%) developed diabetes. In contrast, only 3,430 of the 434,348 patients (0.8%) who did not receive glucocorticoids developed diabetes. The study accounted for variables such as age and sex, confirming that glucocorticoid users were 2.6 times more likely to develop diabetes.
Dr. Golubic emphasized, “These results offer a clearer picture of the diabetes risk associated with glucocorticoids, which could enhance clinical management and early detection of diabetes. It’s crucial for both hospital-based and general practitioners to be aware of this risk, as glucocorticoids are also prescribed by GPs for chronic conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.”
The study underscores the value of utilizing routinely collected clinical data to improve diabetes care and prevention.
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