Brief report: Comparison of continuous glucose monitoring and finger-prick blood glucose levels in hospitalized patients administered basal-bolus insulin.

Background: Previous studies have assessed the efficacy of basal-bolus insulin (BBI) in hospitalized patients by measuring four finger-prick blood glucose levels (BGLs) per day. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this BGL monitoring regimen provides an accurate reflection of glycemia in hospitalized patients administered BBI. We hypothesized that, as three of four readings are preprandial, finger-prick BGLs would underestimate the mean glucose concentration.

Continuous monitoring of circadian glycemic patterns in patients receiving prednisolone for COPD.

Context: Endogenous glucocorticoid excess (Cushing's syndrome) predominantly increases postprandial glucose concentration. The pattern of hyperglycemia induced by prednisolone has not been well characterized.

Objective: Our objective was to define the circadian effect of prednisolone on glucose concentration to optimize management of prednisolone-induced hyperglycemia.