Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid and others. Undergoing cancer treatment can be challenging not only because the therapies may be painful but also because they have a lot of side effects. In diabetic patients, it is common for patients to experience periods of elevated blood sugar due to the drugs administered during cancer treatment. Different therapies have different effects on diabetic patients, and thus, it is imperative to consult an endocrinologist or a diabetologist during cancer therapy. They will be able to guide you best in terms of managing your blood glucose levels.
Such challenges make it difficult to complete cancer therapy as intended. Working with endocrinologists, diabetologists, and cancer specialists can help you manage your symptoms well in time and prevent adverse effects.
Here’s a list of cancer therapies that affect diabetes:
Some drugs increase blood sugar levels, such as asparaginase, platinum-based chemotherapy, 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, and busulfan. Complications of diabetes also worsen with chemotherapy, such as nerve damage.
Steroids are the worst drugs for people with diabetes and need to be taken with caution since they can raise blood sugar levels by increasing insulin resistance. This means the body stops responding to insulin properly. They are most often prescribed to cancer patients for treating nausea and pain and can also be a part of cancer treatment. The dose of steroids is adjusted by doctors to manage blood sugar levels, and it is essential to monitor levels closely when on steroids.
Targeted therapies may affect how insulin is used in the body and thus impact blood sugar levels.
Immunotherapy drugs can also alter levels of glucose in the blood.
Hormone therapy is used for managing hormones, whether removing them, blocking their action or increasing their levels. Most commonly advised for treating breast cancer, these drugs are known to elevate blood sugar.
Blood sugar levels must be in control before, during and after surgery since altered levels can increase the risk of complications. These include the risk of infection and delayed wound healing and recovery.
It can be challenging to maintain optimum blood sugar when dealing with the side effects of cancer or its treatment. In such cases, physicians adjust the dosage of diabetes medication. Managing the side effects of cancer and diabetes is commonly known as supportive care or palliative care. Some cancer-related side effects that can affect diabetes include:
Principal Consultant