A qualitative study of blood glucose and side effect self-management among patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing chemotherapy for cancer

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the process by which patients with type 2 diabetes who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer personally manage their blood glucose levels and side effects. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 patients with cancer who had completed chemotherapy while taking hypoglycemic drugs. The interview data were analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach proposed by Kinoshita. RESULTS: Self-management comprised balancing the management of blood glucose levels and side effects according to physical condition. After commencing chemotherapy, participants experienced confusion regarding the side effects and hyperglycemia they have not previously experienced, started struggling with side effects while paying attention to blood glucose fluctuations, experienced simplification of convalescence based on the diabetes experience, and used trial and error to cope with side effects. When participants learned to understand the changes in blood glucose fluctuations and the pattern of physical recovery, they completed chemotherapy by adjusting their physical condition to the treatment by varying self-control. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers need to assist patients receiving chemotherapy to promote self-management of both blood glucose levels and side effects of the chemotherapy, depending on their physical condition. It is essential that patients with type 2 diabetes who are undergoing chemotherapy achieve the ability to self-monitor their blood glucose levels and side effects.