Many individuals receiving cancer directed therapy are at risk of developing hyperglycemia and new, or worsening of, diabetes due to location of their cancer, treatment regimen, and/or prolonged use of steroids. Research shows that uncontrolled hyperglycemia can have detrimental effects on individuals’ response to cancer therapy, treatment associated toxicities, quality of life and overall mortality. Despite extensive research identifying the need for routine monitoring and management of hyperglycemia in oncology patients, medical societies have yet to establish formal screening guidelines for practitioners. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the outcomes of establishing a protocol for screening and monitoring hyperglycemia amongst adults in an outpatient cancer center. A policy was created whereby all new patients without a history of diabetes were to receive a hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) blood test prior to treatment initiation. Based on HbA1C value, weight status and treatment regimen, patients were assigned a risk level and asked to repeat HbA1C testing or referred to their primary care physician for hyperglycemia management. The outcomes of this study support current research and suggest there are benefits of establishing a hyperglycemia screening protocol. This study offers an example for cancer centers to review until formal guidelines are established.
Alexa Dashko (Thu,) studied this question.