The Effect of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Blood Glucose in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: Perioperative glucocorticoids are routinely administered to patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to decrease postoperative pain and nausea. However, there is concern regarding the effects of glucocorticoids on perioperative glucose control in diabetes. The goal of this study is to determine if administration of preoperative dexamethasone to diabetic patients is significantly associated with hyperglycemia and increased insulin requirements in the immediate postoperative period after TJA and to identify risk factors for postoperative hyperglycemia immediately after TJA.