Endocrinology

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.

Some other risks that diabetics are at due to cancer therapy include:

  • Irregular blood glucose levels - they may suddenly shoot up or go low
  • Worsening of health problems
  • Prolonged elevated blood glucose levels worsen outcomes of cancer therapy. For example, being more prone to infections, delayed healing and recovery, etc.

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. 

Cancer Treatments that Affect Diabetes

Here’s a list of cancer therapies that affect diabetes:

Chemotherapy

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. 

Steroid medications

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

Targeted therapies may affect how insulin is used in the body and thus impact blood sugar levels. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy drugs can also alter levels of glucose in the blood.

Hormone therapy

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.

Surgery

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.

Cancer-related side effects that can affect diabetes

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:

  • Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects of most cancer treatments. They affect how much we eat or drink and what we consume. Food and beverages directly impact blood glucose levels. If blood sugars are not monitored and insulin and medications are not adjusted, it may lead to episodes of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar and other health issues.
  • Dehydration: Continuous nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can also worsen dehydration, which can be life-threatening.
  • Appetite loss: Eating less than usual can lead to low blood sugar. Cancer treatments tend to make patients lose their appetite. Thus, it is important to monitor what you eat and how much. Adjusting medications and insulin doses then  becomes imperative.
  • Weight gain: Steroids and chemotherapy can lead to weight gain and increase blood sugar.
  • Fatigue: Cancer treatments cause fatigue and weakness and thus lower a patient’s activity levels. As a result, the body becomes less receptive to insulin, and blood glucose increases.
     

Request an Appointment

Our Experts

Dr. Saket Kant

Principal Consultant

Endocrinology

Book an Appointment View Profile

Dr. Saket Kant

Principal Consultant

Emergency