IU School of Nursing

When cancer survivors with Type 2 diabetes experience significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels, their long-term health can be seriously affected. Finding ways for patients to better manage these changes is central to the work of IU School of Nursing Associate Professor Susan Storey, PhD, RN.

Cancer and Type 2 diabetes are two common, and often co-occurring, conditions, Storey explained. As cancer survivorship rates increase and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes continues to rise, understanding how these diseases interact is critical for improving long-term health outcomes. 

Storey’s research focuses on these significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels—known as glycemic variability—which are common among people with Type 2 diabetes. Despite its potential impact, glycemic variability remains an understudied area in cancer survivorship research. Additional questions guiding her current work include: 

• Can glycemic variability and its influence on symptoms be measured in real time using wearable or digital health technologies? 
• What biobehavioral interventions can be developed to address glycemic variability in real time, thereby improving symptom management and quality of life? 

“This work aims to inform clinical practice and support healthcare providers in managing the complex needs of this growing patient population,” she explained. 

Storey is also seeking new PhD students to join her research team and help explore these critical questions.  

“Given the complexity of studying glycemic variability and its influence on symptoms and health outcomes, a PhD student’s ability to engage deeply with biobehavioral science, data analytics, and real-time measurement technologies is especially valuable,” Storey said. 

PhD students on Storey’s team can grow professionally through cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cancer survivorship and Type 2 diabetes. Because this field is both clinically relevant and underexplored, students can make meaningful contributions to both science and clinical practice while developing a robust skill set. They will also gain experience collaborating across disciplines and sharing their findings through publications and presentations. 

“Ultimately, students on my team are positioned to become independent researchers who can lead innovative studies and contribute to improving care for individuals with complex chronic conditions,” she said.