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More ways to contact usHere 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.
This information was produced in partnership with Diabetes UK.
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the blood. About 1 in 5 people with cancer (20%) also have diabetes.
Your cancer treatment will be carefully planned to help reduce any problems with your diabetes.
Steroids can increase blood sugar levels. You will need to check your blood sugar levels more often when having steroid treatment.
Your blood sugar level may go too high or drop too low during your chemotherapy treatment.
Your blood sugar level may rise during radiotherapy, but can decrease after treatment. It is important to check your blood sugar level regularly.
Having diabetes may mean you are more likely to develop problems during and after surgery. Your operation will be carefully planned.
Some hormonal therapy drugs can increase your blood sugar level. You will need to check your blood sugar levels more often.
Targeted therapy drugs can affect your blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar should return to normal when you stop targeted therapy treatment.
Your doctor or nurse will help you manage your diabetes if you are having high-dose treatment.
Cancer and its treatment can cause side effects that can make it difficult to manage your diabetes. There are ways to cope with these.
Managing your diabetes can be complicated if you have advanced 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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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.
Worrying about cancer can have a big impact on your feelings. Read our advice to help you cope with your emotions.
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.
What's happening near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you are.
Read about ways in which our Community users managed their emotions following their diagnosis. They talk about yoga, meditation and counselling.
Cancer can be emotionally draining, but sharing your feelings can help you and others in your situation. Talk about it here.
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