Diabetes UK
This information was produced in partnership with Diabetes UK.
Cancer and other conditions
Diabetes and cancer treatment
Here is some information about how cancer treatment can affect your diabetes, making it difficult to control your blood sugar level. There are tips to help you cope with treatment side effects. There is also information about managing your diabetes if you have advanced cancer.
About diabetes and cancer
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the blood. About 1 in 5 people with cancer (20%) also have diabetes.
Planning cancer treatment when you have diabetes
Your cancer treatment will be carefully planned to help reduce any problems with your diabetes.
How steroids can affect your diabetes
Steroids can increase blood sugar levels. You will need to check your blood sugar levels more often when having steroid treatment.
How chemotherapy can affect your diabetes
Your blood sugar level may go too high or drop too low during your chemotherapy treatment.
How radiotherapy can affect your diabetes
Your blood sugar level may rise during radiotherapy, but can decrease after treatment. It is important to check your blood sugar level regularly.
How surgery can affect your diabetes
Having diabetes may mean you are more likely to develop problems during and after surgery. Your operation will be carefully planned.
How hormonal therapies can affect your diabetes
Some hormonal therapy drugs can increase your blood sugar level. You will need to check your blood sugar levels more often.
How targeted therapies can affect your diabetes
Targeted therapy drugs can affect your blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar should return to normal when you stop targeted therapy treatment.
How high-dose treatment and transplants can affect your diabetes
Your doctor or nurse will help you manage your diabetes if you are having high-dose treatment.
Coping with the side effects of treatment when you have diabetes
Cancer and its treatment can cause side effects that can make it difficult to manage your diabetes. There are ways to cope with these.
Advanced cancer and diabetes
Managing your diabetes can be complicated if you have advanced cancer.
Your feelings about diabetes and cancer
There are lots of emotions to deal with when you have cancer. It can be especially difficult if you are also coping with diabetes.
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Read about Claire's experience of coping with diabetes and cancer
Clare on diabetes and cancer
'My advice to others managing cancer and diabetes would be to ask your doctor for more information.'
Clare on support from Macmillan
'The cancer’s always on your mind so it’s just really good to talk. The group’s been a lifesaver for me.'
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Order free information
Related
The booklet explains how some cancer treatments can affect your diabetes and make it difficult to control your blood sugar. It also has some tips to help you cope with side effects of cancer treatment if you have diabetes.
How are you?
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Worrying about cancer can have a big impact on your feelings. Read our advice to help you cope with your emotions.
Ways to get support
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You don’t need to face cancer alone. Find out more about our free support line, Macmillan nurses, information services and support groups near you.
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