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Hi everyone,

About 18 months ago I was informed by my GP that blood sugar readings were over the 48 mark and I’d developed type 2 diabetes, for the first few months after I was very cautious with my diet, didn’t adjust my lifestyle as I’ve not drunk any alcohol since getting CML in 2015 and always kept physically fit, attending my gym 3-4 times a week and watched my weight. Last week week I had a diabetes MOT. Yesterday I got my results and to my surprise I’m totally clear of diabetes, blood sugar reading of 40! Yet I’ve done very little to achieve this great result, apart from coming off nilotinib in May this year (800mg daily) and put on asciminib (80 mg daily) this is the only lifestyle change I’ve introduced in the last 4 months, I’ve commented before on the brilliance of tki medication but have always worried about side effects in the long term.

Nilotinib is known to raise blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. I was just on the cusp of Type 2 diabetes and my cholesterol had gone up. When I was on my short-lived TFR, I had a metabolic blood panel drawn, and everything had gone down to normal, including my blood pressure. I'll be curious to see what happens in February now that I'm back on nilotinib.

Hi hannibellemo,

Firstly thank you for your reply, it answers what I’ve asked before about the side effects of these lifesaving drugs, they can have or create other health issues whilst doing there objective, controlling are cml, my diabetes situation seemed to be a non avoidable situation for up to six months before it was confirmed, and yet, and I’m definitely not medically qualified to prove the coincidence,but 4 months after coming off 9 years of nilotinib medication and going on to asciminib I’m totally clear.

Many thanks,

Peter.

Yes I have developed hyperlipedemia while on Nilotinib. Also I have severe dry eye and constipation. I too try to lead a healthy lifestyle but the effects persist. Your responses give me hope as I am planning on deescalating starting in December on my way to TFR. Dusty I am glad asciminib is working for you. And Pat good luck in February.

Hi joeP

Many thanks for your reply, and hopefully everything settles down for you very soon, its now only a week since I received my diabetes great result, and I’m still so surprised, I repeat the only change I’d made was a change in medication, no weight or drastic lifestyle changes, fingers crossed!

Peter.