Like many other health conditions, cancer and its symptoms can worsen due to unhealthy eating habits. Sugary snacks and beverages are some of the key foods to avoid, especially when they contain large amounts of refined sugar. High blood sugar can cause problems like poor blood circulation, vision-related issues, and inflammation while also aggravating the symptoms of cancer. Here are a few signs of cancer that can worsen due to high blood sugar:

Issues with bowel movement
Cancer adversely affects the digestive and excretory systems. So, one of the earliest signs of cancer is bowel-related issues, including constipation, diarrhea, fecal impaction (a condition in which one defecates dry hard stools), gas, bowel blockage, or a colostomy. Similarly, diabetes and high blood sugar also cause bowel problems. For instance, sugar causes gas by festering and fermenting for too long in the gut. This is because sugar is difficult to digest. Apart from gas, sugar also causes diarrhea by stimulating the gut to release water and electrolytes, both of which loosen up the bowels. As a result, if one has bowel-related issues as a warning sign of cancer, they must lower sugar intake and manage high blood sugar to avoid worsening this symptom.

Loss of appetite
Several studies have established a connection between high blood sugar and a loss of appetite. Sucrose, the primary component of sugar, is responsible for interfering with the body’s hunger-suppressing hormones. So, when someone has a lot of sugary drinks and snacks, they are likely to feel full right after and will not feel like eating anything else (or healthier). When dealing with cancer, loss of appetite can be triggered by excessive sugar, along with other symptoms like pain, depression, stress, nausea, and dehydration.

Bladder-related issues
Cancer can be traced to a genetic mutation in cells. When one has a mutation in their bladder cells, the organ tends to malfunction. In fact, the immune system attacks the affected cells, which further causes bladder-related issues, such as a frequent urge to urinate and the secretion of blood in the urine. Sugar also affects the bladder. A stimulant, sugar acts as an irritant for the bladder, so those with unregulated blood sugar also experience an increased urgency to urinate. Sugar also affects the nerves in and around the bladder.

Perpetual fatigue
In its early stages, cancer affects red blood cell production in the body, resulting in fewer red blood cells. This results in anemia, a condition in which vital organs like the brain and lungs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. This results in those with cancer constantly feeling tired even when not engaging in physical activities. Sugar also aggravates fatigue in its own way. It tends to cause fluctuation of energy levels within the body. So, when one has a sugar-heavy meal or drink, they are likely to experience a short period of energy boost, quickly followed by a crash in energy levels. So, those with cancer should refrain from having excessive sugar or avoid it entirely to avoid worsening fatigue.

Headaches
Headache is one of the warning signs of cancer that is also linked to excessive blood sugar. Sugar intake can make worsen symptoms of conditions like migraines. Many medical studies have found close links between migraine flare-ups and high blood sugar. This is why people with migraine are generally advised to keep their sugar intake low or at zero, if possible. Further, cancer causes issues such as dehydration and anemia, both of which can be accompanied by inflammation in the body, including the brain. This can aggravate headaches.

Vision problems
Diabetes can lead to a vision-related condition known as diabetic retinopathy, in which one may experience blindness. Further, high blood sugar is linked to issues such as blurry vision, night blindness, and double vision. Similarly, cancer can also cause vision impairment and other eyesight-related issues. Malignancy tends to disrupt blood circulation in the body. As a result, the eyes and brain do not receive the blood they need to function normally. So, people with cancer should limit their sugar intake and manage blood sugar to avoid vision-related issues.

One should consult a doctor if they notice any signs of cancer or any changes in existing cancer symptoms. It is also important to seek professional guidance before making drastic changes to meal plans.