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COPD steroids and diabetes — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD steroids and diabetesGPhC CRA

A 68-year-old man with COPD is prescribed prednisolone 30mg daily for five days and amoxicillin for an exacerbation. He also has type 2 diabetes treated with gliclazide. His recent HbA1c is 73mmol/mol. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Monitor blood glucose more closely because prednisolone can worsen hyperglycaemia.

Short courses of systemic corticosteroids can increase blood glucose, especially in patients with diabetes and poor baseline control. The patient should monitor more closely and know when to seek advice. Prednisolone is usually taken in the morning to reduce sleep disturbance and mimic physiological rhythm.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS