How dexamethasone affects blood sugar during and after non-cardiac surgery
Deteriorated Metabolic Control in the Perioperative Period in Surgical Patients: What is the Impact of Anesthetic Preparation and Patient Frailty?
We will see if a standard dose of dexamethasone raises blood sugar in adults having elective non-cardiac surgery and whether continuous glucose monitors detect changes better than finger-prick tests.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zealand University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roskilde) |
| Trial ID | NCT07573930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational study of adult patients having elective non-cardiac surgery who receive dexamethasone as part of routine anesthesia care. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) will be placed on the upper arm about 12 hours before surgery and left in place for up to 10 days after the operation, while finger-prick glucose measurements are also taken. CGM readings will be blinded to participants and clinical teams during data collection and compared with time-specific capillary measurements to characterize glucose changes and monitoring accuracy. The study aims to describe perioperative glucose responses to dexamethasone and to compare the completeness and pattern detection of CGM versus traditional measurements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery expected to last more than one hour who will receive dexamethasone as part of routine anesthesia are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, active infection or sepsis, immunosuppression, or contraindications to CGM are unlikely to benefit from participation and are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help clinicians anticipate and manage steroid-related rises in blood sugar around surgery and guide better glucose-monitoring strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown steroids can raise blood sugar and that CGM detects glucose variability, but direct perioperative comparisons between blinded CGM and finger-prick testing remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (≥18 years) scheduled for elective non cardiac surgery * Expected surgery duration \>1 hour * Administration of dexamethasone as part of standard anaesthetic regimen or planned by the responsible anaesthetist to enhance recovery or to limit risk of PONV. * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Not possible to obtain consent or permission * Known allergy or adverse reaction to dexamethasone * Type 1 diabetes (due to need for insulin titration) * Active infection, sepsis, or immunosuppression * Contraindications to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
Where this trial is running
Roskilde
- Zealand University Hospital — Roskilde, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anne M Brinck, Msc Medicine — Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Study coordinator: Anne M Brinck, MSc Medicine
- Email: abrinc@regionsjaelland.dk
- Phone: +4552119003
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.