Prostate cancer patients who undergo androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) may have an increased risk of developing diabetes, according to a recent study conducted by UT Medical Group physicians.  However, that risk appears to be lower in men who take Vitamin D supplements.

Diabetes is caused by the body's inability to produce or use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels.  Androgen-deprivation therapy is a treatment designed to slow the growth of prostate cancer by blocking the male hormone, testosterone.  Previous studies have shown that ADT can impact the body's response to insulin.

The study found that 36 of 400 prostate cancer patients (11%) developed new-onset diabetes after five years of androgen-deprivation therapy. Obese men had an even greater risk of developing diabetes. In addition, 77 patients who had previously been diagnosed with diabetes experienced elevated blood sugar levels after undergoing ADT.  Diabetes risk was reduced, however, in those patients who were given Vitamin D supplements.

In light of the findings, UTMG urologist and the study's lead author, Dr. Ithaar Derweesh, says men who receive androgen-deprivation therapy for treatment of their prostate cancer should be carefully monitored for any change in their blood sugar levels. 

Urology Chairman Dr. Robert Wake, and UTMG urologist Dr. Anthony L. Patterson co-authored the study, along with UTMG endocrinologist Dr. Abbas E. Kitabchi.  The results were published in the British Journal of Urology International.

For more information on the study, visit the BJU International.  To make an appointment with a UTMG urologist, call 901-347-8350 (Germantown office) or 901-259-2800 (Methodist South location).

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