A Patient with a History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes has been treated for pneumonia for the past week.He has been receiving corticosteroids intravenously and antibiotics as part of his therapy.His pneumonia has resolved,but when the nurse monitors his blood glucose levels,his blood glucose is still elevated and he requires small amounts of sliding scale insulin coverage.What is the best explanation for this elevation?

A) The antibiotics may have caused an increase in glucose levels.
B) The corticosteroids may have caused an increase in glucose levels.
C) His type 2 diabetes has converted to type 1 diabetes.
D) The hypoxia from the COPD has caused an increased need for insulin.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Show Answer