Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Asked 5 months ago

Can chemo cause diabetes?

My father recently started his chemotherapy sessions. He's already a bit overweight and we're trying to manage his diet. Now I'm hearing that chemo can actually cause diabetes, is this true?

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10 answers

Karan Johar Karan Johar Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago
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Yes, chemotherapy and the heavy steroids they give along with it can spike your blood sugar levels significantly. I faced this during my treatment and had to take temporary insulin. Keep monitoring your blood glucose daily at home, and the doctor will adjust the doses accordingly.

Siddharth Sen Siddharth Sen Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Don't rely on random advice from the internet regarding chemo-induced diabetes. Steroids used in chemo are notorious for raising sugar, but only your oncologist can tell if it's temporary or chronic. Ask your doctor for a proper treatment plan instead of trying online tips.

Shreya Ghoshal Shreya Ghoshal Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Hey, please don't stress too much about this. Yes, chemotherapy and supportive steroids can cause a temporary rise in blood sugar, sometimes called steroid-induced diabetes. It is usually temporary and manageable, so just keep your doctor informed and they will guide you gently.

Nisha Kumari Nisha Kumari Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Yes, chemotherapy drugs and associated steroid medications can cause temporary high blood sugar. Please keep your healthcare team updated so they can monitor and manage it safely.

Amit Deshmukh Amit Deshmukh Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Let's be direct: yes, the medicines and steroids given during chemo can definitely shoot up your sugar levels. It is a very common side effect. Don't ignore it, just get a simple HbA1c or regular fasting sugar test done and let your oncologist handle it.

Ananya Roy Ananya Roy Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I can't give medical opinions, but during my mother's chemo sessions, her blood sugar levels went up quite a bit. The doctors told us it was due to the supportive medications and kept her on a strict diet until the treatment was over.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Tanya Kapoor Tanya Kapoor Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Chemo is already so draining, and then having to worry about diabetes is just not fair! But yes, those steroids they give to prevent nausea can make your blood sugar levels act crazy. Just follow the doc's advice, even if managing it feels like a whole extra job.

Rohan Malhotra Rohan Malhotra Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Yes, it can. Chemotherapeutic agents and accompanying corticosteroids often impair insulin sensitivity, leading to hyperglycemia or transient diabetes. This is a standard clinical issue, so make sure your medical team is actively tracking your blood glucose levels.

Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

Since chemo can cause sugar issues, factor in the cost of a basic home glucometer and strips into your monthly budget. Testing at home is much cheaper than running to a lab every time, and it helps you keep a very close track of any sudden spikes.

Vikas Gowda Vikas Gowda Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

I made the mistake of ignoring high thirst and frequent urination during my treatment, thinking it was just generic chemo weakness, and my sugar levels went dangerously high. Please don't ignore these symptoms. Ask your doctor for a blood sugar checkup immediately.

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