How dexamethasone affects blood sugar during and after non-cardiac surgery
Official title: Deteriorated Metabolic Control in the Perioperative Period in Surgical Patients: What is the Impact of Anesthetic Preparation and Patient Frailty?
Run by Zealand University Hospital · NCT07573930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zealand University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roskilde) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07573930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.