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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes insulin is essential; during leukaemia treatment only your team adjusts how much you take.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An insulin pen
Figure 1.An insulin pen — Leukemia + type 1 diabetes

01Short answer

Steroids, infections and stress can raise blood sugar, while poor appetite and vomiting raise the risk of hypoglycaemia. So sugar is checked more often and the diabetes doctor and haematologist make a "sick day" plan together. Injection and sensor sites need care, especially when platelets and white cells are low.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your diabetes doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Ketoacidosis: a dangerous state when insulin is lacking; infection can trigger it.

Hypoglycaemia: with little food, sugar can drop sharply; ask your diabetes doctor what to do.

04What happens in the body?

Type 1 diabetes and leukaemia

People with type 1 diabetes can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and type 1 diabetes can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A glucose sensor on the arm
Figure 2.A glucose sensor on the arm.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and diabetes doctor share information, treatment is safer.

A sick day plan
Figure 3.A sick day plan — Leukemia + type 1 diabetes

05Treatment with type 1 diabetes

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Sugar higher than usualSteroids or infectionFollow your plan, tell your team
Shaking, sweating, confusionLow sugarFollow your plan, tell your team
Vomiting with high sugarKetoacidosis risk103/112

07Key terms

Insulin
The hormone that controls sugar.
Ketoacidosis
A dangerous complication of insulin lack.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I change my insulin myself?

Only within the plan your diabetes doctor gave you.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I change my insulin myself?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Diabetes Type 1
  2. MedlinePlus. Diabetes Medicines
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Patients’ Immune Cells to Treat Their Cancers
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: minimal residual disease
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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