Possible metabolic impact of topical corticosteroids

Danish researchers have recently concluded that the widely used topical corticosteroids used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They examined data from two matched case-control studies and one cohort study in Denmark and the U.K. The use of topical steroids was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in both case-control studies, and there was a significant dose-response relationships and increasing potency of topical steroids. This finding is likely to represent new knowledge for many involved in managing patients treated with topical corticosteroids, and suggests that increased awareness and caution is warranted. Reed the full study here