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A recent study presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, Spain, has found that patients receiving systemic glucocorticoids—commonly known as steroids—are more than twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to those not receiving this treatment. Conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford’s Radcliffe Department of Medicine, this study provides new insights into the risks associated with steroid use for treating various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Glucocorticoids are widely used for managing conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and other medical problems. Despite their effectiveness in reducing inflammation, these medications are known to raise blood sugar levels, potentially leading to diabetes. The study emphasizes that the risk of diabetes is higher when glucocorticoids are administered as tablets or injections rather than as inhalers, creams, or drops.
Key Findings of the Study
Led by Dr. Rajna Golubic, the research team analyzed data from 451,606 adults admitted to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between January 2013 and October 2023. All participants were free from diabetes at the start of the study, and none were receiving systemic glucocorticoids at the outset.
The study revealed that 17,258 (3.8%) of the patients were treated with systemic glucocorticoids during their hospital stay, mainly for autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Of these patients, 316 (1.8%) developed diabetes while hospitalized, compared to just 0.8% (3,430) of the 434,348 patients who did not receive glucocorticoid treatment.
When adjusted for age and sex, the data showed that patients treated with systemic glucocorticoids were 2.6 times more likely to develop diabetes than those not receiving these drugs.
Implications for Clinical Practice
Dr. Golubic highlighted the importance of these findings, stating, “These latest results give clinical staff a better estimate of how likely new diabetes is to occur and could prompt doctors to plan clinical care more effectively to detect and manage new diabetes.” The study underscores the need for healthcare providers, including general practitioners, to be vigilant when prescribing glucocorticoids, particularly in patients with conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
The research also demonstrates the value of routinely collected clinical data in improving patient care. “This study shows how routinely collected clinical data can be used to help people with diabetes,” Dr. Golubic added.
As the use of glucocorticoids remains prevalent in treating a variety of conditions, this study serves as a reminder to healthcare professionals to carefully monitor patients for signs of diabetes, especially during prolonged or high-dose steroid treatment.
