Metabolic effects of beta-sympathomimetic drugs and dexamethasone in normal and diabetic pregnancy.
Marked hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia were observed in two normal women in premature labour treated with an intravenous infusion of a beta-sympathomimetic drug and intramuscular dexamethasone injections. Similar therapy in a chemical diabetic patient caused diabetic ketoacidosis, while treatment of an insulin dependent diabetic with dexamethasone alone resulted in a major increase in her insulin requirements. It is suggested that the diabetogenic effects of beta-sympathomimetic drugs and dexamethasone may be additive and that regular plasma glucose estimations should be made when they are used, especially in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.
D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000139:chemically induced; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011254:Pregnancy in Diabetics / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D003907:Dexamethasone