The Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care (JBDS-IP) has released an updated version of the Management of Hyperglycaemia and Steroid (Glucocorticoid Therapy) guideline.

Updated Management of Hyperglycaemia and Steroid guideline released

Updated guidance on the Management of Hyperglycaemia and Steroid (Glucocorticoid Therapy) has been released by JBDS-IP.

The publication is designed to guide the management of hyperglycaemia in patients given steroids in hospital and following their discharge.

It has been produced by lead authors June James, Associate Professor University of Leicester, Dr Aled Roberts of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Professor Ketan Dhatariya of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

In the report, the authors said: “The use of glucocorticoid steroids is becoming more widespread. 

“Use of these medications can impact adversely on glycaemic management in those individuals living with diabetes and others without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. 

“Surveillance is required in both populations to mitigate against the harmful effects of hyperglycaemia. Glycaemic targets differ in certain populations and healthcare professionals are required to consider this when treating these individuals. 

“Following a hospital admission care must be taken to ensure the safety of individuals when steroid doses are lowered to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia in those treated with sulphonylureas, meglitinides or insulin. 

“Screening needs to be in place in the community setting for people treated for hyperglycaemia but not previously known to have diabetes.”

The major change in the new guideline is the movement of the management and management algorithm to the front of the document to make it easier for people to access the most frequently used sections of the guideline. 

Clinical targets have also been revised to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia and a new section on the impact of dexamethasone in people diagnosed with the Coronavirus-19 has been added, including specific algorithms produced by the ABCD. 

In addition, updates have been made to the section relating to ‘special groups’, including pregnancy, oncology and the management of people who are frail. 

To access the new guideline click here