Divided dosing reduces prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia and glycaemic variability: A randomized trial after kidney transplantation

Abstract

BackgroundPrednisolone is a major risk factor for hyperglycaemia and new-onset diabetes after transplantation. Uncontrolled observational data suggest that divided dosing may reduce requirements for hypoglycaemic agents. This study aims to compare the glycaemic effects of divided twice daily (BD) and once daily (QD) prednisolone.MethodsTwenty-two kidney transplant recipients without diabetes were randomized to BD or QD prednisolone. Three weeks post-transplant, a continuous glucose monitor (iPro2® Medtronic) was applied for 5 days with subjects continuing their initial prednisolone regimen (Days 1-2) before crossover to the alternative regimen. Mean glucose, peak glucose, nadir glucose, expo..