Management and Education in Individuals with Cancer and Diabetes

Introduction: Cancer and diabetes are diseases whose incidence is increasing globally. The two diseases have common risk factors. The purpose of this article is to highlight the effect of cancer treatment on diabetes and nursing management of adverse effects and education on self-management of diabetes. Material and Μethod: A literature review was conducted using the electronic database PubMed and google scholar during 2010–2020. The following key words were entered: “cancer”, “diabetes”, “nursing”, “treatment”, “care” and a combination thereof. Results: Cancer treatment affects blood glucose levels (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cortisone, immunotherapy) in many ways and increases the possibility of acute complications and exacerbation of long-term complications in individuals with cancer and diabetes. The nursing care of these individuals aims at managing the side effects of treatment and educating them and their family on self-management. Common side effects occur during antineoplastic therapy are: nausea-vomiting, diarrhea, pain, fatigue, etc. which are treated with appropriate interventions. Oncology nurses should educate patients on selfmanagement strategies by emphasizing the importance of maintaining good glycaemic control during treatment. Also, they may need to take on a patient-centered approach to the management of both diseases. Conclusions: Nurses should collaborate with other health professionals in order to intervene appropriately and develop an individualized care plan for each patient. All of them help the individuals to manage both diseases and improve their quality of life.