From the FDA Drug Label
Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required.
- The FDA drug label indicates that corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, may increase blood glucose concentrations.
- This suggests that triamcinolone injections could have an impact on glucose levels, potentially requiring dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents 1.
From the Research
Impact of Triamcinolone Injections on Glucose Levels
- Triamcinolone injections can cause a transient elevation in serum glucose levels in diabetic patients 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The elevation in blood glucose levels is typically seen within 1-4 days after the injection and returns to baseline levels within 5-7 days 2, 3, 4, 6
- The degree of blood glucose elevation is correlated with the patient's hemoglobin A1c level, with higher hemoglobin A1c levels resulting in greater blood glucose elevation 2
- Intra-articular injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide and triamcinolone acetonide can cause significant increases in blood glucose levels in patients with controlled diabetes 4
- Extended-release triamcinolone acetonide may be associated with less disruption of 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 blood glucose excursions while still providing effective pain control 6
Factors Influencing Blood Glucose Elevation
- Hemoglobin A1c level: higher levels are associated with greater blood glucose elevation 2
- Dose of triamcinolone: higher doses may result in greater blood glucose elevation 6
- Type of triamcinolone preparation: extended-release preparations may be associated with less disruption of glycemic control compared to immediate-release preparations 5
- Patient population: diabetic patients are more susceptible to blood glucose elevation after triamcinolone injections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6