Moffitt Specialists Help Patients Manage and Prevent Diabetes

About 38 million people are living with diabetes in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 people with cancer also has diabetes.

In a global study from The George Institute for Global Health conducted in 2018, researchers found that those with diabetes, especially women, are at a higher risk of developing cancer. The study found that women with diabetes were 27% more likely to develop cancer compared to women without diabetes. 

Another study found around 80% of pancreatic cancer patients have glucose intolerance or new-onset type 2 diabetes at the time of diagnosis.

There are several types of diabetes, with type 2 being the most common. Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. As an oncology nutrition specialist at Moffitt Cancer Center, Rachael Williams sees plenty of patients with diabetes and those trying to prevent it.

“Certain cancers may impact the pancreas,” Williams said. “One of the functions of the pancreas is secreting insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, patients can experience a sustained increase in blood sugar levels, leading to a diabetes diagnosis.” Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to the kidneys, eyes and nerves. It can also lead to impaired blood flow and poor wound healing.  

Patients can also be at a greater risk for developing diabetes while undergoing certain treatments. For example, steroids are commonly used to help patients tolerate chemotherapy, with one side effect being an increase in blood sugar levels.

Whether a patient has diabetes or is focused on prevention, Williams and the nutrition team promote healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes and provide individualized patient care.

“I encourage patients to follow a whole-food plant-based diet and participate in moderate-intensity physical activity at least 30 to 60 minutes daily, five days per week as able,” Williams said. 

According to Williams, a whole-food plant-based diet is comprised of lean protein sources, whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fat options, minimizing ultra-processed foods, increasing fiber consumption, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, aiming to consume 64 to 80 ounces of fluid per day, and avoiding food and beverages containing added sugar.

“If you think you are at risk, work with your doctors, along with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator, to start the process of managing your blood sugar levels and make healthier lifestyle choices,” Williams said.