What You Need to Know
Diabetes and cancer are two major health challenges that many people face today, but did you know that the two are often connected? Research shows that 1 in 5 individuals with cancer also have diabetes, creating a unique set of challenges for those affected by both conditions. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between diabetes and cancer, how cancer treatments can impact blood glucose levels, and what steps patients can take to manage their health during this difficult time.
The Link Between Diabetes and Cancer
Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, and cancer share several risk factors, such as age, obesity, and physical inactivity. Several common cancers, including breast and colon cancer, are more common in people with type 2 diabetes. Cancer treatment itself can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) in some patients, even if they do not have pre-existing diabetes.
Some evidence suggests that individuals with both diabetes and cancer may experience worse outcomes following cancer treatment. However, it is not entirely clear if this is due to the cancer responding differently to treatment because of diabetes or if diabetes changes the way cancer behaves in the body. Unfortunately, there is still much we don’t know about how to best monitor and manage blood glucose levels during and after cancer treatment.
How Cancer Treatment Affects Blood Sugar Levels
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, steroids, and immunotherapy, can affect glucose metabolism, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Hyperglycaemia can result from the body’s response to stress or medication used during treatment. For patients with pre-existing diabetes, managing blood sugar becomes more difficult during cancer therapy, but those without a diabetes diagnosis can also experience high glucose levels for the first time.
Why Monitoring Blood Glucose Is Important for Cancer Patients
Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for anyone undergoing cancer treatment, particularly if they have diabetes or are at risk of developing high blood sugar levels. Finger prick tests, which allow patients to check their blood glucose at home, can help identify abnormal levels early. If blood sugar levels remain consistently high, medical professionals will adjust the patient’s diabetes management plan.
Doctors or nurses at GP surgeries, diabetes clinics or cancer treatment centres may work with patients to ensure that their glucose levels are well-controlled throughout their treatment. Managing blood sugar levels during cancer therapy is critical to reduce the risk of infection and hospital admission, and prevent symptoms such as thirst or urinary frequency.
The Role of Diabetes Medications in Managing High Blood Sugar During Cancer Treatment
Managing diabetes during cancer treatment often requires adjustments to medication. People who already have diabetes may need to start additional medication or modify their treatment plan to control their blood sugar effectively. Medication such as insulin and oral hypoglycaemics are commonly used to regulate high glucose levels during cancer therapy.
Some patients who did not have diabetes before their cancer diagnosis may find that they develop treatment-induced hyperglycaemia. In these cases, doctors may temporarily prescribe diabetes medication to control their blood sugar levels throughout the duration of their cancer treatment.
What do we need to know?
The relationship between diabetes and cancer is still being studied, and healthcare professionals are working to understand how best to manage patients who are dealing with both diseases. Ongoing research will provide new insights into how cancer treatments affect blood glucose levels, which treatments are best for people with both conditions, and whether diabetes itself affects the course of cancer.
How You Can Support This Research
Understanding the relationship between diabetes and cancer is a growing area of medical research, and there are opportunities for patients to contribute to this important work. If you are over the age of 18 and have received cancer treatment or are about to start, consider participating in research surveys aimed at studying the impact of cancer treatment on blood glucose levels.
You do not need to have diabetes to participate in this research. Your experiences are valuable whether or not you have had high glucose levels during cancer treatment. If you are interested, fill out the survey linked on this page or contact Dola Awoyemi at Dola.Awoyemi@rmh.nhs.uk for more information about contributing to this ongoing study.
For those who have diabetes or have experienced high blood sugar levels during cancer treatment and would like to play a more active role in planning future research, we encourage you to reach out. Your input can help shape how healthcare providers monitor and treat patients with both conditions in the future.
