Topical corticosteroids lead to ketoacidosis

Hyperglycemic crises due to topical corticosteroid use are extremely rare. In this case report, however, physicians were faced with an unusual case of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) triggered by the postoperative use of ophthalmic corticosteroids in an elderly patient with long-standing type 2 diabetes. The case underlines the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.