Seminarios de la Fundación Española de Reumatología

Steroid-induced hyperglycemia is a frequent problem in clinical practice that can generate or prolong hospital admissions and lead to repeat emergency visits without an adequate solution. However, steroidinduced hyperglycemia remains an underestimated problem in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. Factors contributing to this situation include the variety of corticosteroid preparations and regimens available and especially the lack of involvement by practitioners prescribing steroids and the absence of clinical studies and specific recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews the pathophysiology of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia and proposes management strategies based on clinical status and the pattern of hyperglycemia expected according to the type and regimen of glucocorticoid used.