Can Chemotherapy Cause Diabetic Neuropathy?

Can chemotherapy cause diabetic neuropathy (with blood sugars kept under control)?

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 preexisting 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.