Increased Risk of Diabetes Observed in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Study

A recent study published in the recent issue of Diabetes Care journal revealed a significant long-term risk of diabetes among survivors of childhood and young adult cancer (CYAC). This researchers has identified key cancer treatments like total body irradiation (TBI), hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), and corticosteroids, as major contributors to the development of diabetes over time.

The study analyzed data from over 4,200 cancer survivors through linked cancer registries and electronic health records which found the extent of diabetes risk and treatment-specific influences on its onset. This research utilized clinical coding and HbA1c values to identify diabetes cases and assess cumulative incidence rates over a 40-year period.

After a median follow-up period of 14.4 years, almost 163 individuals (3.8%) in the cohort were diagnosed with diabetes. The risk varied significantly depending on the type of cancer treatment received. The survivors treated with total body irradiation (TBI) demonstrated a stark increase in long-term diabetes risk. By the 40-year mark, 21% of patients exposed to TBI had developed diabetes when compared to just 8.4% of the patients who did not undergo the treatment.

Also, the patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) underwent an elevated risk, with 19.6% of patients developing diabetes within 40 years. Among these, allogeneic transplant recipients had the highest risk at 25.7% when compared to 7.9% in those who received autologous transplants.

The use of corticosteroids during cancer treatment was also associated with an increased diabetes risk of 7.7% at 40 years post-diagnosis. This study highlighted that disparities in diabetes risk become evident as early as 10 years after a cancer diagnosis and emphasize the need for risk-stratified, evidence-based screening protocols for long-term survivors of childhood and young adult cancer.

Early detection and management could significantly improve the quality of life and long-term health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Overall, the outcomes of this extensive study provided critical insights that could help in future guidelines for post-cancer care, ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive monitoring and intervention for potential metabolic complications.

Source:

Cromie, K. J., Murray, R. D., Ajjan, R. A., Hughes, N. F., Feltbower, R. G., & Glaser, A. W. (2025). Diabetes risk after treatment for childhood and young adult cancer. Diabetes Care. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-2171