Glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus (GIDM) is a well-known and common metabolic side effect of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. The risk of developing GIDM in non-diabetic patients who receive systemic GCs, was evaluated in a metanalysis and found to be 18.6%. GIDM is potential life-threatening, and hyperglycaemia, even mild, in hospitalized patients is associated with both increased mortality and increased morbidity. Often, insulin is the preferred treatment option. However, insulin is a high-risk drug and to patients without previously known diabetes, initiation of insulin therapy requires training in blood glucose measurements and insulin injections.
Oral Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.