Why we should pay attention to blood glucose level after ocular corticosteroids injection in diabetic patients

Abstract

Because the systemic use of corticosteroids is associated with risks of serious side effects,local administration are generally preferred for patients with ocular diseases.It may possible to obtain high drug concentrations within the eye with less effect on blood glucose level.However,recent animal experiments and clinical studies highlight the possibility of significant blood glucose elevation after a single or repeated peri-ocular or intravitreal injection of short-term or long-term corticosteroids (including subconjunctival injection,retrobulbar injection,posterior subtenon injection and intravitreal injection).After peri-ocular or intravitreal corticosteroid injection,diabetic patients should be monitored for blood glucose levels and the hypoglycemic treatment should be adapted if necessary. Key words: corticosteroids/side effect; diabetes mellitus; blood glucose