Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids and the risk of type 2 diabetes in COPD

What is it about?

Nationwide cohort study in Danish outpatients with COPD, including >55,000 patients (whereof approx. 70% used inhaled corticosteroids). Patients were observered for max. 7 seven years for new-onset of type 2 diabetes. This study showed a 15% increased risk of type 2 diabetes with high-dosage use of inhaled corticosteroids (approx. 1000µg daily budesonide equivalent dose) compared to no usage of inhaled corticosteroids.

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Why is it important?

Inhaled corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of COPD, however they may have adverse effects akin to oral corticosteroids (such as prednisolone), which this study aimed to investigate.