A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON CORTICOSTEROID USAGE AND INCIDENCE OF CORTICOSTEROID-INDUCED HYPERGLYCEMIA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Corticosteroids are a widely used class of drugs for respiratory, autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and dermatological conditions. Despite the efficacy of steroids, they have a wide variety of side effects. However, SIH remains the most misdiagnosed side effect. Undiagnosed SIH will precipitate DM, increases the morbidity and length of hospital stay, especially when pre-existing risk factors are present. Steroids may cause glucose control to deteriorate if administered to those who already have diabetes. The primary aim of the study was to review the corticosteroid usage and to assess the incidence of steroid-induced hyperglycemia. The patients were enrolled based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were categorized into diabetic (HbA1c <6.5%) and non-diabetic population, and their blood glucose levels were assessed. The Incidence of Corticosteroid Induced Hyperglycemia was found to be 45.8%. The potential risk factors for SIH were older age, history of diabetes mellitus, higher BMI, duration of therapy, and drug interaction. Insulin and combination therapy (CT) of insulin & OHA was the most frequently prescribed treatment for SIH, which showed an increased efficacy compared to others.