Researchers studied 1,130 people with diabetes who were undergoing nonurgent, noncardiac surgery. The goal was to see how a single 8 mg dose of the steroid dexamethasone affected their blood sugar levels compared to a placebo during the first 24 hours after anesthesia.
The results showed that patients who received dexamethasone had higher peak blood glucose levels than those who received the placebo. Specifically, the dexamethasone group reached levels of 12.5 mM while the placebo group reached 10.3 mM. However, there was no significant difference in the rates of surgical-site infections between the two groups.
Because this was a preplanned sub-study of a larger trial, it is important to note that these results are linked specifically to this patient group. While dexamethasone can cause an increase in blood sugar, it is often used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. Patients should talk to their doctors about how these findings might affect their specific treatment plan.
Common questions
Does dexamethasone affect blood sugar in diabetic patients?
The study showed that a single 8 mg dose of dexamethasone was associated with higher peak blood glucose levels within 24 hours of anesthesia. Patients who received the medication had an average level of 12.5 mM, while those who received a placebo had a lower average of 10.3 mM.
Does dexamethasone increase the risk of infection after surgery?
The study found no significant difference in surgical-site infections between patients who received dexamethasone and those who received a placebo. The infection rate was 11.1% for the dexamethasone group and 14.4% for the placebo group, which did not show a statistically significant difference.
Why is dexamethasone used if it can raise blood sugar?
While dexamethasone was associated with a modest increase in blood glucose during surgery, it is commonly used to help prevent nausea and vomiting after a procedure. Patients should discuss the balance of these effects with their medical team.
