Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia Successfully Treated With Once-Weekly Dulaglutide in an Old Patient With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Glucocorticoids induce hyperglycemia in case of pancreatic alpha- and beta-cell dysfunction. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) may prevent steroid-induced hyperglycemia by improving hyperglucagonemia and insulin secretion. An 85-year-old man was treated with oral prednisolone for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and his glycemic control deteriorated after the initiation of steroid therapy. After the administration of dulaglutide injection, his glycemic control was improved and we could discontinue insulin therapy. Both fasting and postprandial plasma glucagon levels were significantly suppressed by a GLP-1RA, dulaglutide. GLP-1RAs therapy may be a useful strategy for the treatment of steroid-induced hyperglycemia.




J Endocrinol Metab. 2018;8(1):10-12
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem491w