This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Inhaled Steroids May Increase Diabetes Risk
Study: Steroid Inhalers for Breathing Problems May Slightly Increase Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Reviewed by
Louise Chang, MD
Dec. 14, 2010 -- Using inhaled corticosteroids to treat chronic breathing problems may slightly increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study finds.
The study’s authors say the increase in risk probably doesn’t outweigh the benefits to people taking daily puffs of inhaled corticosteroids to control asthma.
But researchers are worried about the threat of diabetes when these medications are used to ease breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, a condition for which the benefits of inhaled corticosteroids are less clear.
“For asthma, I’m not as concerned because they are so effective. They keep people out of the emergency room. They save lives,” says lead author Samy Suissa, PhD, director for the center of clinical epidemiology at Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
“In studies, inhaled corticosteroids don’t work for many people with COPD. If there’s no problem with safety, then that is maybe not such a big deal,” Suissa says. "If there’s a problem with safety, then the equation changes.”
Suissa points out that 70% of people with COPD are prescribed inhaled corticosteroids when clinical guidelines suggest that only 15% to 20% really get any benefit from them.
Diabetes and Inhaled Corticosteroids
For the study, which is published in the November issue of The American Journal of Medicine, Suissa and his colleagues analyzed the drug records of more than 388,000 patients who were prescribed inhaled corticosteroids in Montreal from 1990 to 2005.
They found that the risk of needing medication to control high blood sugar increased about 34% in patients taking any dose of daily inhaled corticosteroids. In those on the highest doses, the risk increased by 64%. The study also found that inhaled corticosteroids were associated with an increased risk of needing stronger medications to control blood sugar, an indication that diabetes could be worsening in those who already have it.
While a 34% increase in risk may sound alarming, experts point out that the absolute numbers are still very small. For example, the number of people who were diagnosed with diabetes each year rose from 14 out of 1,000 to 20 out of 1,000 in people taking inhaled corticosteroids.
A Small Risk Can Still Mean a Big Problem
“This is a modest increase, but it’s not something to sneeze at because type 2 diabetes is such an expensive problem,” says Elizabeth Kern, MD, director of the diabetes program at National Jewish Health in Denver, a hospital that specializes in the treatment of lung disease.
Kern says the findings of this investigation were much anticipated and somewhat controversial among doctors who treat respiratory problems since previous, smaller studies had failed to find an increased risk of diabetes in patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids.
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Is This Normal?
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Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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