New onset of type 2 diabetes as a complication after cancer diagnosis: A systematic review

Background: Despite improved survival rates, cancer survivors are experiencing worse health outcomes with complications of treatment, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), that may deteriorate survivorship. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive review of T2D incidence following cancer diagnosis.

Methods: The study included: (1) cohort studies, (2) cancer diagnosis by a doctor, (3) incidence of T2D after diagnosis of cancer, and (4) adult patients over 18 years. Studies that focused on patients who had T2D as a preexisting condition at cancer diagnosis were excluded.

Results: Of a total of 16 studies, overall incidence of T2D ranged from 5.4% to 55.3%. The highest T2D incidence rate was observed in colorectal patients with cancer (53%). While results in prostate patients with cancer were mixed, patients who underwent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) had a significantly higher incidence of new-onset T2D (12.8%, p = 0.01). Patients treated with chemotherapy within 1-5 years of initial diagnosis of colorectal cancer were at approximately 30% higher risk of T2D. One study found that 48% of T2D was preventable with optimal management during the process of patient care.

Conclusion: Blood glucose management may allow physicians to intervene early and improve outcomes among patients with cancer.