Can Leukemia Cause High Blood Sugar? |
One kind of cancer that affects the lymphatic, bone marrow, and blood is leukemia. It can lead to the rapid production of aberrant white blood cells.
Insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar are two signs that may arise when the malignancy spreads.
Find out more about the connection between high blood sugar and leukemia and how it can be controlled while receiving cancer treatment.
Leukemia and high blood sugar: Is there a link?
Research has discovered that malignancies, such as leukemia, can contribute to insulin resistance and an overall reduction of circulating insulin.
High blood sugar levels can also be caused by an increase in stress hormones brought on by having cancer and undergoing treatment.
Managing blood sugar during leukemia
There are numerous strategies to control your blood sugar levels if you have leukemia, such as:
Staying hydrated
It's critical to maintain proper hydration if your blood sugar is elevated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should consume the following amount of water per day:
- 3.7 liters for men
- 2.7 liters for women
However, according to the CDC, your daily intake may go up or down based on things like your age, exercise level, and the temperature where you reside.
Getting enough sleep
When undergoing cancer treatment and dealing with elevated blood sugar, it can be crucial to make sure you get adequate sleep. Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should strive for about 7 hours of sleep every night, according to the CDC.
Staying active
Physical activity regularly can help control blood sugar levels when they are elevated.
Your energy levels can be lower, though, if you are simultaneously undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy. In this situation, concentrating on gentle, low-impact workouts like:
- walking
- yoga
- tai chi
- swimming
Following a balanced diet
You may make sure you get the energy you require by eating wholesome foods that are high in protein. Eating little meals throughout the day may be beneficial because cancer therapy frequently reduces appetite.
Among the foods high in protein are:
- nuts, like almonds, pecans, and walnuts
- fish, such as mackerel and tuna
- spinach
- Greek yogurt
- beans, like chickpeas and black beans
Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
Monitoring your blood sugar level frequently during your treatment may be beneficial. Your care team can keep an eye on this and assist you in figuring out what a healthy range is.
Treating high blood sugar
A doctor may suggest the following treatments if you have leukemia and have extremely elevated blood sugar:
- medication, including sulfonylureas and metformin
- Losing weight could help control how much insulin your body uses.
- lifestyle choices, like eating a healthy diet and controlling stress
When to seek emergency support
It's critical to get medical help right away if you have cancer and are exhibiting severe symptoms of elevated blood sugar.
Some symptoms to watch out for are:
- high levels of ketones in urine
- confusion
- drowsiness
- rapid heart rate
- rapid breathing
- blurred vision
You should get emergency assistance if you or someone else is exhibiting these symptoms. Early intervention can help avoid complications.
Takeaway
High blood sugar can be caused by leukemia for a variety of reasons, including stress and adverse consequences from cancer treatment.
There are numerous strategies to control your blood sugar levels if you have leukemia, such as:
- staying hydrated
- getting enough sleep
- following a balanced diet
- monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
It's critical to get medical help as soon as possible if you're exhibiting severe symptoms of high blood sugar.
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