Tomoxifen is a well known drug that is given to women who have, or have had, breast cancer. It is supposed to help suppress the estrogens that can fuel breast cancer or ignite it again once remission has been declared. Older women who are taking the drug have shown a slightly increased risk for developing diabetes than women who are not on the breast cancer drug.
The drug is often taken indefinitely as a way to help prevent the cancer from coming back, so it is something that is taken on a regular basis, although it is unclear exactly what properties of this drug would increase the risk of diabetes. The drug can be capped at five years, but it is really up to the doctor’s discretion as well as the specific type of breast cancer the woman has.
The theory is that the drug only increases the diabetes risk in women who are already predisposed to the condition to begin with. This makes it more of a risk for women in this subgroup obviously. However, doctors are quick to point out that Tamoxifen is still a life saving drug, and that the risks still are outweighed by the immense benefits women can get from using this drug after breast cancer remission.
Also suspected as part of the cause is that estrogen actually plays a role in helping to regular blood sugar some how. Since Tamoxifen blocks estrogen, it may also contribute to blood sugar irregularities while in the process of blocking these hormones in the female body.
At any rate, it is important to discuss any drug’s potential side effects or indications with the doctor you’ve chosen. You should always feel comfortable enough to ask your doctor these questions. If you get any annoyed looks, then you may want to be on the lookout for a new doctor, this indicates a bad bedside manner!
