Is there anyone on here who has both and can tell me whether there are any special things I need to look out for?
I have type 2 Diabetes recently diagnosed (Aug), and now BC. So have been hit with 2 conditions in a row.
I’m trying to balance the diet and drugs for the DM with the cancer treatment and potential side effects. So far OK after surgery, but not sure about effects of chemo or Rad.
Hi Lakeslover
Yes I have both, my diabetes was picked up when I went for my SLNB pre-op assessment. I am taking Metformin for it, I just have to be careful not to have too many sweet things, my doctor is arranging for me to go to the Diabetic education programme at the hospital where I will learn what things are good to eat and those to avoid. My onc said that my glucose levels will need to be monitored after each chemo, I’ve got my 3rd chemo tomorrow and it’s only been checked once, and it was ok.
Paula x
Thanks Paula,
I’m on metformin too.
The only good thing about this so far was that they scheduled my surgery first on the list so that thewy could monitor my blood sugar carefully and get me the metformin as soon as possible after surgery.
Thanks for the info about chemo. I test my own blood sugar so will do so more carefully if I have to have chemo.
Lynda
I am diabetic, type II and take both Insulin and Metformin. I was first on the list for my surgery, but on the day circumstances meant that they changed this and the hospital were not very good at monitoring my blood sugar, so make sure that you take your own test meter with you and keep an eye yourself.
Being Diabetic you will also be a bit more prone to infection, so it is wise to keep an eye on your wounds, if they get red, hot or suddenly get more sore or if you get a high temperature make sure you get checked out by the docs. I got cellulitis and an abscess, which was a pain and it delayed radiotherapy but apart from this it wasn’t too bad.
Anne
I’m diabetic too, but I’m type 1 rather than type 2.
If you need to have chemo you will almost certainly need to up your diabetes medication, as the steroids they give with the chemo will raise your blood sugar significantly for a while after each chemo session.
I wasn’t given steroids to take before chemo, but even the small amount that goes into the infusion with the chemo was enough to more than double my blood sugar. I was able to lower my levels within a few days by changing my insulin doses though.
Talk to your health care team about it, see what they suggest.
hi lakeslover i was dianosed with diabetes same time has my bc they did put me on a higher dose of metformin for a while but now i am only on two a day i was fine i had no problems i was doagnosed last sept 2010.
Thank you,
It is really helpful to know what to look out for, and what to ask about at my appointments.
Hi all,
I have Type 1 diabetes, diagnosed in April 2011, four years after treatment for breast cancer. The doctors do not know why my pancreas has stopped working.
I see the breast surgeon once a year for a check-up. Thankfully I am currently free of cancer.
Elena