Leukemia can result in high blood sugar for a number of reasons, such as stress and side effects from cancer treatment. This can be managed by taking your medication as prescribed and following a balanced diet.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that occurs in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It can lead to the rapid development of abnormal white blood cells.

As the cancer progresses, it can lead to symptoms such as high blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Learn more about the link between leukemia and high blood sugar and how it can be managed during cancer treatment.

Research has found that cancers, such as leukemia, can lead to insulin resistance and an overall loss of circulating insulin.

Living with cancer and navigating treatment can create an increase in stress hormones, which can, in turn, also result in high blood sugar levels.

If you are living with leukemia, there are many ways you can manage your blood sugar levels, including:

Staying hydrated

If you are experiencing high blood sugar, it is important to stay hydrated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following daily intake of water for adults:

  • 3.7 liters for men
  • 2.7 liters for women

However, the CDC also notes that your daily intake can increase or decrease depending on factors such as the climate you live in, your age, and your activity level.

Getting enough sleep

Ensuring you get enough sleep can be vital when experiencing high blood sugar and cancer treatment. The CDC recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 60 aim for around 7 hours of sleep each night.

Staying active

When experiencing high blood sugar, it can be helpful to engage in regular physical activity to manage levels.

However, if you are also navigating cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, you may find that your energy levels are lower. In this case, it can be helpful to focus on mild and low impact exercises, such as:

Following a balanced diet

Eating nutritious foods that are high in protein can help ensure you have the energy you need. As cancer treatment can often decrease appetite, it may be helpful to eat small portions throughout the day.

Foods that are high in protein include:

  • 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

Throughout your treatment, it can be helpful to check your blood sugar level regularly. Your care team can monitor this for you and help you determine a healthy range.

If you have leukemia and are experiencing severe high blood sugar, a doctor may recommend treatment options such as:

  • medications, such as metformin and sulfonylureas
  • weight loss, which may help regulate your body’s insulin usage
  • lifestyle measures, such as following a balanced diet and managing stress levels

If you are living with cancer and are experiencing severe signs of high blood sugar, it’s important to seek medical support immediately.

Symptoms to look out for include:

  • high levels of ketones in urine
  • confusion
  • drowsiness
  • rapid heart rate
  • rapid breathing
  • blurred vision

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, you should seek emergency support. Tackling this early can help prevent complications.

Leukemia can result in high blood sugar for a number of reasons, such as stress and side effects from cancer treatment.

If you are living with leukemia, there are many ways you can manage your blood sugar levels, including:

  • staying hydrated
  • getting enough sleep
  • following a balanced diet
  • monitoring blood sugar levels regularly

If you’re experiencing severe signs of high blood sugar, it’s vital to seek medical support right away.