My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Q.

Can chemotherapy cause diabetic neuropathy?

Posted:
| Report This Report Question
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

5,093 Answers
88,353 Helpful Votes
58 Followers
A.

Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause peripheral neuropathy, such as vinca alkaloids (vincristine), cisplatin, paclitaxel, and the podophyllotoxins (etoposide and teniposide). This can occur in patients with and without diabetes. Individuals at greatest risk of peripheral neuropathy associated with chemotherapy are those with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy from conditions such as:

  • Diabetes.
  • Alcoholism.
  • Severe malnutrition.
  • Previous chemotherapy.

The mechanisms of neuropathy that occurs with uncontrolled diabetes and with chemotherapy are different. If underlying neuropathy is present, there is a possibility of worsening with exposure to these agents.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

19 of 23 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Chemotherapy and Diabetic Neuropathy