Prevalence of diabetes in patients admitted to a cancer hospital

Cancer rates are increased in people with diabetes. There is also recent evidence that outcomes from cancer treatment are worse in those with diabetes. There is a need to assess the prevalence of diabetes in cancer patients in order to tailor resources and improve clinical outcomes. This study examined the prevalence of diabetes and hyperglycaemia and specific referrals amongst hospitalised patients in a specialist cancer hospital. In a cancer hospital 11% of in-patients had either identified diabetes or hyperglycaemia (random blood glucose >11mmol/l.) Consecutive referrals to a diabetes consultant confirmed that over half of patients had gastro-intestinal tract primary cancers, over 20% had poor glycaemic control whilst on steroids, and 18% had poor glycaemic control during artificial nutrition. Referrals came from both medical and surgical teams. Thus diabetes and hyperglycaemia are common problems amongst in-patients with cancer, and these patients have complex diabetes requirement. Patients with cancer and diabetes need access to specialist diabetes care.