Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents significant challenges in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, which can worsen pre-existing DM or lead to new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). This review explores the effects of chemotherapy on glucose metabolism, the underlying mechanisms of NODM, and management strategies. Chemotherapeutic agents—especially corticosteroids, platinum-based drugs, and alkylating agents—can impair insulin secretion, induce resistance, and damage pancreatic function, resulting in hyperglycemia. These effects arise from direct drug impact and cancer-related metabolic changes. Effective diabetes management in this context requires early detection via glucose monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and therapy adjustments. Insulin and oral antihyperglycemics may be needed, along with careful control of corticosteroid-induced hyperglycemia. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise play a supportive role. A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists is essential. With increasing DM prevalence among cancer patients, further research is critical to understand mechanisms and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Kapoor et al. (Thu,) studied this question.