Drug induced Diabetes Mellitus (DIDM) in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukemia (ALL): Approach to diagnosis and management
Abstract
Corticosteroids and L-asparaginase used in the treatment of pediatric
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) results in Drug induced Diabetes
Mellitus (DIDM). Literature on the management of DIDM among children
with ALL is sparse and the diagnostic criteria for pediatric diabetes
should be carefully applied considering the acute and transient nature
of DIDM during ALL therapy. Insulin remains the standard of care for
DIDM management and the choice of Insulin regimen (standalone Neutral
Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) or basal bolus) should be based on the type and
dose of steroids used for ALL and the pattern of hyperglycemia. A modest
glycemic control (140-180 mg/dl) to achieve euglycemia and prevent
hypoglycemia would be the general approach. This review is intended to
suggest a evidence based practical guidance in the diagnosis and
management of DIDM during pediatric ALL therapy.