Glycemic Variability in Patients With Stage II–III Colon Cancer Treated With Surgery and Adjuvant Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES: To examine glycemic variability within one month and one year following surgery and throughout adjuvant chemotherapy among patients with stage II–III colon cancer, with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). SAMPLE & SETTING: 58 patients with stage II–III colon cancer treated with surgery and chemotherapy. METHODS & VARIABLES: A retrospective analysis of electronic health record data over one year showed glycemic variability, measured as standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were calculated. RESULTS: Patients with T2D had higher glycemic variability throughout chemotherapy and within one year following surgery. A significant increase in glycemic variability throughout chemotherapy was observed in patients without T2D. Significant associations between glycemic variability and demographic and clinical characteristics differed by T2D status, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses need to assess serial blood glucose levels in patients with and without T2D. Teaching patients how to maintain glycemic control during treatment is a priority. Research should include predictive models to identify risk factors for higher glycemic variability and cancer-related symptoms and outcomes.