From the FDA Drug Label
Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required.
The effect of triamcinolone injections on blood glucose levels is an increase in blood glucose concentrations. This may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents in patients taking them. 1
From the Research
Effect of Triamcinolone Injections on Blood Glucose Levels
- Triamcinolone injections can cause a transient elevation in serum glucose in diabetic patients 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The elevation in blood glucose levels can last for several days after the injection, with some studies showing significant increases in blood glucose levels up to 4-5 days after the injection 2, 4, 6
- The degree of blood glucose elevation can be predicted by the patient's hemoglobin A1c level, with patients having higher hemoglobin A1c levels experiencing greater elevations in blood glucose 2
- The use of extended-release triamcinolone acetonide may be associated with less disruption in glycemic control compared to immediate-release triamcinolone acetonide 5
- Lower doses of triamcinolone (20 mg) may be recommended over higher doses (40 mg) to reduce the risk of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes, without affecting pain control 6
Patient-Specific Factors
- Patients with diabetes mellitus are at risk of developing hyperglycemia after triamcinolone injections, with the degree of elevation depending on the patient's underlying glycemic control 2, 4, 6
- Patients with higher hemoglobin A1c levels are more likely to experience significant elevations in blood glucose levels after triamcinolone injections 2
- Non-diabetic patients may also experience elevations in blood glucose levels after triamcinolone injections, although the degree of elevation may be less severe than in diabetic patients 4
Clinical Implications
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for triamcinolone injections to cause hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus, and monitor blood glucose levels accordingly 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Patients with diabetes mellitus should be counseled on the potential risks of hyperglycemia after triamcinolone injections, and advised to monitor their blood glucose levels closely after the procedure 3, 6