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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes often occurs alongside leukaemia and is watched more closely during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A glucose meter
Figure 1.A glucose meter — Leukemia + type 2 diabetes

01Short answer

Steroids and infections can raise blood sugar. Some diabetes medicines are paused temporarily during vomiting, dehydration, contrast scans or worsening kidney function; only a doctor decides. Sometimes temporary insulin is needed during treatment.

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

Kidneys and diabetes medicines: when kidney function changes, some medicines are adjusted.

Temporary insulin: during steroid courses tablets may not be enough.

04What happens in the body?

Type 2 diabetes and leukaemia

People with type 2 diabetes can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and type 2 diabetes can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A tablet box and a plate
Figure 2.A tablet box and a plate.

Two teams together

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

A walking path
Figure 3.A walking path — Leukemia + type 2 diabetes

05Treatment with type 2 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
High sugarSteroids or infectionTell your team
Strong thirst, passing urine oftenHigh sugarTell your team
Shaking, sweatingLow sugarFollow your plan, tell your team

07Key terms

Type 2 diabetes
The body responds poorly to insulin.
HbA1c
Average sugar over recent months.
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

Will my diet change?

General rules are in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”; a personal diet comes from your doctor and dietitian.

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. Will my diet change?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Diabetes Type 2
  2. MedlinePlus. Diabetes Medicines
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of comorbidity – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  5. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  6. NHS. Sepsis
  7. American Cancer Society. How Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia Classified?
  8. American Cancer Society. Typing of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask about Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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