266-OR: Dexamethasone-Induced Hyperglycemia in Nondiabetic Patients with COVID-19

Background: Dexamethasone improves COVID-outcomes. Detailed glycemic profile for patients receiving dexamethasone for COVID-is lacking. Methods: Our hospital recommends routine blood glucose monitoring for patients with COVID-receiving dexamethasone 6mg daily. Subjects without prior history of diabetes admitted in a non-critical care setting over a 1-month period were identified and evaluated. The primary outcome was hyperglycemia post-dexamethasone, defined as glucose ≥10mmol/L. Results: Of 277 subjects (52% male, age 52±18 yrs, weight 90±26 kg, 7% with newly diagnosed diabetes [HbA1c ≥6.5%]) , hyperglycemia post-dexamethasone occurred in 51%, with peak glucose 12.4±2.3 (mean 2.2 tests/day) . Glucose excursions peaked 7-9 hours post-dexamethasone (figure) . Hyperglycemic subjects were older (58±17 vs. 45±7 yrs, p