An Old Theme and New Technology: Marked Glucocorticoid-Induced Hyperglycemia in a Hospitalized Patient Uncovered Retrospectively by Her Flash Glucose Monitoring

Abstract Background Glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia is a problem-facing endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists in hospital wards. Case History A 63-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes was admitted to the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive airway disease. She treated short course intravenous hydrocortisone followed by oral prednisolone. On discharge, she attended her regular consultation. Throughout period, had flash glucose monitoring (FGM) sensor place, blood regularly. As part clinic routine, meter data uploaded ambulatory profiles were examined. These revealed three distinctly different levels before, during, after glucocorticoid therapy. Glucocorticoid therapy resulted marked rise that lasted for further week before it returned pre-treatment levels. This old phenomenon has yet be demonstrated using new FGM technology. Conclusions The story (1) asserts significant impact on glycemic control, (2) demonstrates prolonged control following discontinuation glucocorticoids, (3) suggests lack adequate timely recognition hospital, poor management glucocorticoid-induced either due failure conventional methods or degree complacency appreciate its magnitude.