Effect of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex®) in the Glycemic Control of Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) in the glycemic control of patients with diabetic macular edema. Methods: Ten patients with diabetic macular edema received an intravitreal injection (IVI) of dexamethasone implant (DEX implant, Ozurdex®). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) is analyzed before and three months after IVI. The real-time glycemic readings are provided by a new medical device (Dexcom G4® Dexcom, Fr). The primary outcome analysis was the comparison of HbA1C test before and after IVI. Results: The mean HbA1C level was 7.46 ± 0.70% before IVI and 7.60 ± 1.30% after IVI. No significant difference was found for the percentage of time spent above the target, within the target, and below the target. Discussion: A bad control of diabetes is identified as a risk factor for both the development and progression of diabetic macular edema. It appears important that IVI of dexamethasone implant have no impact on blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes glycemic control in humans after DEX implant IVI with daily continuous glucose monitoring. In this study, the use of intravitreal steroids in patients with diabetes did not significantly alter glycemic control or increase blood glucose levels.