Blood Glucose Response after Betamethasone Injection in Pregnant Women without Diabetes.

Abstract

Background: Betamethasone is routinely administered in preterm pregnancies to accelerate fetal lung maturity, yet its glycemic impact on nondiabetic pregnant women remains underexplored.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of betamethasone on maternal glucose levels and hormonal profiles in pregnant women without diabetes and assess the need for monitoring and intervention.

Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 80 normoglycemic pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. Each participant underwent an Oral glucose tolerance test and hormonal profiling before and after receiving the first intramuscular dose of injection betamethasone 12 mg. The second dose of injection Betamethasone 12 mg was given 24 h later.

Results: Significant elevations in fasting, 1-h, and 2-h blood glucose levels were observed postbetamethasone ( P < 0.001), along with increased insulin, C-peptide, and cortisol levels, indicating a steroid-induced metabolic shift. Hyperglycemia peaked within 12-24 h. Elevated body mass index and borderline glycated hemoglobin were associated with greater glucose excursions.

Conclusion: Even a single course of betamethasone can induce clinically significant hyperglycemia in nondiabetic pregnant women. Routine poststeroid glucose monitoring is essential to minimize maternal and neonatal risks while preserving the established benefits of antenatal corticosteroids.