Cancer is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on a person’s health. In addition to the physical challenges of cancer treatment, many cancer patients also experience secondary diabetes. Secondary diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops as a result of cancer treatment. It is often overlooked, but it can be a serious complication.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of secondary diabetes in cancer patients. These include:
- Steroids: Steroids are a common medication used to treat cancer. They can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes.
- Chemotherapy: Some chemotherapy drugs can also cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
- Surgery: Surgery can also lead to secondary diabetes. This is because surgery can damage the pancreas, which is the organ that produces insulin.
- Stress: The stress of cancer treatment can also contribute to the development of diabetes.
How does Park Endocrinology manage diabetes in patients undergoing cancer treatment?
At Park Endocrinology, we employ the most recent advancements in technology to assist our patients in managing their diabetes amidst their cancer treatment. For instance, we use continuous glucose monitors that allow for seamless monitoring, especially valuable for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy where traditional finger-stick methods can be excessively painful. For patients who require multiple insulin injections throughout the day, insulin pumps can be a game-changer.
Nevertheless, we firmly believe that there’s no universal solution when it comes to glucose management in a cancer patient. Therefore, we take a personalized approach, tailoring each patient’s diabetes treatment plan according to their unique needs.
For instance, patients participating in clinical trials may need to maintain their glucose levels below a specific threshold to continue their participation. On the other hand, some patients might need their glucose levels optimized to minimize the risk of infection and expedite post-surgery healing. Furthermore, for patients who have a grim prognosis, our aim might shift towards ensuring comfort, rather than enforcing strict glucose control, to prevent the discomfort associated with high or low blood sugar.
What’s the most significant point you want people to understand about secondary diabetes?
It’s entirely natural to feel overwhelmed when confronted with dual diagnoses. However, it’s important to remember that diabetes presents an opportunity to regain control, a luxury often not afforded by cancer. Therefore, don’t let hope wane.
The management of diabetes often lies within the realm of your diet and lifestyle choices, which can be modified to not just manage diabetes during cancer treatment but also to potentially enhance your overall wellbeing. Therefore, remember that gaining control over diabetes during cancer treatment isn’t just important, it’s achievable.
If you are a cancer patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you are concerned about your risk of developing diabetes, please contact Park Endocrinology today. We can help you get the care you need to live a healthy and active life.
If you are a cancer patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you are concerned about your risk of developing diabetes, please contact Park Endocrinology today.
We can help you get the care you need to live a healthy and active life.
Visit our website www.theparkendo.com or call us @ +91-888-566-0011 to schedule an appointment today.
