Implementation of a Weight-Based Protocol for the Management of Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia

The underlying causes, treatment options of gut microbiota and food habits in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a long-lasting endocrine disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, which is often triggered by an entire or relative inadequacy of insulin production or insulin resistance. As a result of resistance to insulin (IR) and an overall lack of insulin in the body, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic illness that is characterized by hyperglycaemia. Notably, the occurrence of vascular complications of diabetes and the advancement of IR in T2DM are accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Due to the difficulties in managing the disease and the dangers of multiple accompanying complications, diabetes is a chronic, progressive immune-mediated condition that plays a significant clinical and health burden on patients. The frequency and incidence of diabetes among young people have been rising worldwide. The relationship between the gut microbiota composition and the physio-pathological characteristics of T2DM proposes a novel way to monitor the condition and enhance the effectiveness of therapies. Our knowledge of the microbiota of the gut and how it affects health and illness has changed over the last 20 years. Species of the genus Eubacterium, which make up a significant portion of the core animal gut microbiome, are some of the recently discovered 'generation' of possibly helpful bacteria. In this article, we have focused on pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches towards T2DM, with a special reference to gut bacteria from ancient times to the present day.

Insulin Dosing and Glycemic Outcomes among Steroid-treated Hospitalized Patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal insulin-to-steroid dose ratio for attainment of glycemic control in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied data collected from the electronic health record within an academic medical center from 18,599 patient-days where patients were treated concurrently with insulin and steroids. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, which included demographic and clinical variables, assessed the relationships between the exposures of total and basal insulin-to-steroid ratios and the outcomes of glycemic control (all blood glucose readings on the following patient-day >70 and ≤180 mg/dl) and hypoglycemia within three subgroups of steroid dosing: low (≤10 mg prednisone equivalent dose [PED]), medium (>10 to ≤40 mg PED), and high (>40 mg PED).

RESULTS

Increased insulin-to-steroid ratio was associated with increased odds of both glycemic control and hypoglycemia. The optimal total insulin-to-steroid ratio for attaining glycemic control was 0.294 units/kg/10 mg PED in the low-dose subgroup, 0.257 units/kg/10 mg PED in the medium-dose subgroup, and 0.085 units/kg/10 mg PED in the high-dose subgroup. The optimal basal insulin-to-steroid ratio was 0.215 units/kg/10 mg PED in the low-dose subgroup, 0.126 units/kg/10 mg PED in the medium-dose subgroup, and 0.036 units/kg/10 mg PED in the high-dose subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing insulin-to-steroid ratios are positively associated with glycemic control and hypoglycemia. Our study suggests that ∼0.3 units/kg/10 mg PED is an optimal dose for low and medium dose steroids, while ∼0.1 units/kg/10 mg PED is optimal for high dose steroids. Further prospective studies are needed to identify insulin regimens that will optimize glycemic control in steroid treated patients while minimizing hypoglycemia risk.