STEROID INDUCED DIABETES

Introduction Corticosteroids are powerful medication used to reduce harmful inflammation, but one of the hazards of using corticosteroids is that they can also cause patients to develop iatrogenic diabetes mellitus. It is usually a transient condition. In patients already at higher risk for getting diabetes the development of diabetes may be permanent. Case description A 56-years-old man, obese, good regulated hypertonic, reported to the emergency service because of hives on the body and limbs after taking the lozenges which consisted flurbiprofen. He was admitted to a hospital treatment. Routine laboratory tests and blood sugar were normal. Treated with corticosteroids and antihistaminic. After the reduction of the symptoms, discharged to home treatment with a recommendation for the gradual abolition of corticosteroid therapy and antihistaminic. After 4 months he reported to family doctor due to dry mouth, urinating more often and being thirstier. He didn’t have family history of type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar was 16 moll/L. He was sent to an endocrinologist and there blood sugar was 26 moll/L, HbA1c:11,6%. He was hospitalized and treated with insulin and later with oral medicaments (metformin and sulphonilurea). Hospital examinations did not find any complication of diabetes. When the glicoregulation was good patient was allowed to go home. Conclusion Be careful when taking combined medication. Be cautious when prescribing corticosteroids. Only when necessary. Prevention: Smaller doses of the medication or shorter periods of time. Keeping healthy lifestyle during the medication may help to reduce the likelihood of developing high blood sugar levels and diabetes.