Abstract
The RECOVERY trial showed that mortality in patients requiring supplementary oxygen or ventilation for COVID-19 is reduced by administration of dexamethasone 6 mg daily for up to 10 days.1 This welcome finding led to an increased frequency of dexamethasone use at our district general hospital. However, high-dose glucocorticoid exposure is a well-recognised cause of hyperglycaemia, particularly in the presence of diabetes.2-7 Furthermore, glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia is associated with an increased risk of mortality, infections, and cardiovascular events.8 Guidelines have been developed to address these risks, both in the general inpatient setting and specifically in the context of COVID-19.