This study is designed to help understand how certain steroid medications affect blood sugar levels in patients undergoing pain management treatments. Patients who receive steroid injections for conditions like back pain or arthritis experience temporary high blood sugar (called steroid-induced hyperglycemia, SIH), which can sometimes lead to complications, especially in patients with diabetes. This study aims to understand this by monitoring blood glucose levels using continuous glucose monitors (Dexcom G7). The main goal of this study is to track how steroid injections impact blood sugar levels in patients.
Steroid injections are frequently used in pain management for conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and joint inflammation. While effective at reducing pain and inflammation, these steroids can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar, known as steroid-induced hyperglycemia. This can be a concern, especially for patients with diabetes, as poorly managed high blood sugar can lead to serious complications. This study aims to explore the effects of three commonly used steroids: dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, each administered at different doses. Participants will be fitted with a Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on their arm, which will track their blood sugar levels every 5 minutes for up to 10 days. The study's primary objective is to determine how often steroid-induced hyperglycemia occurs, how severe it is, and how long it lasts. Study will also investigate whether certain factors-such as the type of steroid, dosage, or the patient's underlying conditions-affect blood sugar responses. Additionally, the study will assess how the use of the CGM device may improve overall patient care, reduce the need for emergency interventions, and potentially lower healthcare costs by preventing complications. By gathering high-resolution glucose data, this research will provide valuable insights into the best practices for managing blood sugar in patients receiving steroid injections. Our goal is to improve treatment strategies, particularly for diabetic patients, ensuring safer and more effective pain management.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
71
The study will be conducted as a single-arm trial consisting of participants enrolled in the test group. Each participant will receive a G7 CGM and their blood glucose levels will be continuously transmitted to the Dexcom Clarity system for monitoring and data collection. As a observational study, the test group glucose levels will be monitored after receiving a steroid for pain management. The CGM profile of steroid-induced hyperglycemia in patients will be studied for the following corticosteroids: dexamethasone (10 mg), methylprednisolone (40 mg or 80 mg), triamcinolone (40 mg or 80 mg).
Grand Island Pain Relief Center
Grand Island, Nebraska, United States
Hastings Pain Relief Center
Hastings, Nebraska, United States
Spike in blood glucose level (hyperglycemic phase)
Hyperglycemic phase is determined based on clinically significant increase in percentage points above baseline
Time frame: From baseline (day 0) to end of monitoring (day 10)
Duration of hypo- or hyperglycemia
minutes of blood glucose level in hypo-/hyperglycemic phase
Time frame: From baseline (day 0) to end of monitoring (day 10)
Drop in blood glucose levels (hypoglycemic phase)
Hypoglycemic phase is determined based on clinically significant decrease in percentage points below baseline
Time frame: From baseline (day 0) to end of monitoring (day 10)
Hospitalization rates
Electronic health record analysis
Time frame: From baseline (day 0) to end of monitoring (day 10)
Number of phone calls to study team
Analysis of electronic health records
Time frame: From baseline (day 0) to end of monitoring (day 10)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.