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July 29, 2002

Hyperglycemia and DKA, Other Illnesses

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Question from Wisconsin, USA:

My husband, who has had diabetes for over 10 years and also has high blood pressure, had his prostate removed eight years ago, and last year the doctors said the cancer had spread to his lung and leg. He is on pills for his diabetes and hypertension and is taking chemotherapy every three months. For the past nine months, his PSA has started to climb and the doctor increased his chemotherapy. His blood sugars are 140-150 mg/dl [7.8-8.3 mmol/L] daily. Could the high readings affect the cancer?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Very high blood sugars may have an effect to inhibit the immune system from maximally fighting the cancer. However, sugars of around 150 mg/dl [8.3 mmol/L] are unlikely to have a dramatic effect.

JTL