Evaluation of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in the management of steroid-induced diabetes: a narrative review.

Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Although clinically effective, they are associated with significant metabolic side effects, including increased insulin resistance, impaired function of pancreatic β-cells, and, finally, weight gain. These effects can result in steroid-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) and steroid-induced diabetes (SID), both of which increase the risk of complications such as infections and prolonged hospitalisation. Intensive insulin therapy remains the standard treatment for SID. However, emerging evidence suggests that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may have therapeutic potential to counteract the metabolic effects of steroids. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs for the treatment of SIH and SID.