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How will Chemo affect diabetics

S

Sue Morton

Well-Known Member
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My brother who is also diabetic (myself as well) has a large cancerous tumour in his liver which is inoperable and once he gets the results of his biopsy they will start chemo but not just being worried about his liver how will this effect his diabetis?

I can recall Ken I think reading his story but can't remember where it was and I vaguely recall his having problems I'm not sure.

If anyone can advise me I can let his wife know what to expect and whats best to do

thanks
Sue :cry:
 
Hi Sue.

This was the thread you were on about I think.....my Cancer story......

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=13373&hilit=+cancer#p121629

Depends on the treatment, what actual drugs are used etc. As you will see I had mega problems during the treament, mainly due to an overdose of the drugs, but as my Endo said, "Diabetes has to take a back seat sometimes......" Never a truer word/s ! After the treatment things slowly returned to normal and am now almost back to the pre-Cancer Bg levels. Hard work.....but worthwhile. :D

He will have to do whatever is required to attack the Cancer. I hope everything goes well......
 
Thanks I have looked again and your story is really inspiring I will try and direct my brother to read it when I go to visit him as he lives inWales and myself in the Midlands

All the best
Sue :)
 
Hi Sue

I'm currently undergoing chemo, and as Ken says, a lot will depend on the particular "cocktail" of drugs being used for your brother's chemo.

Chemotherapy is often administered alongside steroids, and it is these (along with the glucose used as the liquid base for some drip-fed chemotherapy) that will also affect blood sugar levels.

You don't say if your brother is type 1 or 2, but I have found that by virtually doubling my insulin (both basal and bolus) I have been able to bring my BS levels more or less back into the normal range within a few days. Obviously any drastic insulin changes should be discussed with the diabetes/cancer team beforehand, but not a lot of help if your brother is type 2.

Testing for keytones is important too, if blood sugars remain high, check with your care team for what action to take at agreed levels.

And lastly, don't be too afraid of what you may have read or heard about diabetes and chemo. I was really worried about how I would cope with the two, but in my case, I am managing better than I could have hoped for.

It's not a walk in the park, but it is manageable.
 
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