Use of NPH Versus Basal Bolus Insulin for Steroid Induced Hyperglycemia

Glucocorticoids are known to cause an increase in insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycemia, in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In both the inpatient and outpatient setting, steroids are used for their anti-inflammatory property to treat a variety of conditions. There is a paucity of information regarding the best way to treat steroid-induced hyperglycemia. In this study we will compare (1) the addition of NPH insulin, an intermediate-acting insulin, given at the time of steroid administration to the patient's standard basal/bolus insulin to (2) modification of the standard basal-bolus insulin regimen which will consist primarily increasing the prandial doses at lunch and supper in order to determine which regimen is superior for glycemic control.