Blood Glucose Levels During Chemotherapy

[Cindi]

Did anybody experience an increase in their blood glucose levels while undergoing chemotherapy?

[Larisa]

Yes, Victor had his up to 120 and both of us were very concerned about it. Our oncologist said it's normal during the chemo, but we have to watch it to get to the normal levels, which are below 110 ().
How high is your glucose?

[Cindi]

thanks for responding...my fasting glucose average about 110....2 hours after eating they average about 130....i know that decadron can cause hyperglycemia...my doctor had me check it throughout the week and we are going to discuss it some time today when she calls.....i just knew something wasn't right....i kept feeling like i was in a daze....and i was sure it wasn't chemo brain....did victor's doctor give any real reason other than being common?.....i will let you know what i learn....

staying strong-
cindi

[Cindi]

so what i have learned is the decadron/dexamethasone can cause hyperglycemia....i am given decadron during chemo all 3 or 5 days and then taking it 4 days post chemo....i have found that the farther i get away from the chemo....my sugar levels begin to reach normal....this round we are stopping the 4 days post chemo and see what happens...i have been referred over to cardiologist who has been reviewing my lipid panels also and we will meet again next month....he does not seem to concern....he and my oncologist both feel it is chemo related and feel once i am back to a regular exercise routine my numbers should be fine....as for now i have limited my carb intake and that has made a huge difference....so we will see....last night i got home from chemo and my sugar was 230 YIKES....however....they expected that....with all the decadron and also the dextrose in the saline iv's don't help...so we will monitor it and they said if they have to treat it....it will be orally...and only for the remaining 5 cycles....my oncologist thinks i am so funny...she said what patient has ever started checking their glucose on their own....well i had gestation diabetes with my son....so i knew the daze feeling i was having was not "chemo brain"....she assures me she loves her patients being advocates...so keep asking those questions or concerns.....

staying strong-
cindi

[Larisa]

230! It's a lot... If you are prone to it, than it's better to take care of it . Diet helps a lot. When I am watching my father-in-law and literally bitching about what he eats (I think he hates me sometimes! - maybe even more than I think ), his blood sugar falls to the safe 110. If not, it just shoots to 200th! Of coarse, your case is so much different, but still you need to help your body to cope in addition to the medication.
With best wishes,
Larisa

[Cindi]

I agree...this morning it is 110....so with having all that dextrose all week in the iv's and also the decadron i should start to see it leveling out...they have been keeping a close eye on it at stanford....they don't seem to concern right now....so i am not going to be concerned....i will continue to check it and if i happen to peak then i will call them....

hope all continues well.....