It depends. Some cancer treatments can increase your chances of getting diabetes. Other cancer treatments don’t. 

Diabetes is caused by either your pancreas making less insulin or your body becoming resistant to insulin. Some cancer treatments may cause your body to become more resistant to insulin, which may lead to getting diabetes. These include:   

  • Chemotherapy   
  • Radiation therapy   
  • Hormone Therapy   

Other cancer treatments, like surgery, do not increase your risk for getting diabetes.   

Diabetes takes years to develop. People who are overweight or obese, who have an unhealthy diet, and who don’t get a lot of exercise are at risk of developing diabetes. If are already at high risk of getting diabetes and then you start cancer treatments, it may push you over the edge. Most people who get diabetes during cancer treatments will continue to have diabetes even after the cancer treatments are done. 

To decrease your risk of getting diabetes during cancer treatment, you can:   

  • Eat a healthy diet 
  • Get light exercise like a brisk walk if you have enough energy 

chemo treatment

Chemo and radiation treat your cancer, but they can be a diabetes enhancer