Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 09, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 5 days, 23 hours, 51 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers Dr Monika Pliszka and Dr Leszek Szablewski from the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland have uncovered a significant link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and various types of cancer. This
Medical News report delves into their findings, highlighting the intricate associations and potential mechanisms involved.
Researchers Unveil Link Between Diabetes And Cancer
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Understanding Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. It is commonly divided into two main types: Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). T1DM is an autoimmune condition leading to the destruction of insulin-producing cells, while T2DM is marked by insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia.
The Rising Tide of Diabetes and Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, and diabetes is not far behind. The study explores the increasing prevalence of these diseases and their interconnection. Approximately 8-18% of cancer patients have diabetes, and the risk of developing certain cancers is notably higher in individuals with diabetes. For example, T2DM increases the risk of cancers such as pancreatic, liver, colon, breast, and stomach.
A Closer Look at the Associations
-Pancreatic Cancer: Known for its high mortality rate, pancreatic cancer has a well-documented link with diabetes. Long-term diabetes increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 1.5 to 1.7 times. New-onset diabetes can also be a symptom of undiagnosed pancreatic cancer.
-Liver Cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer, shows a strong association with T2DM. Diabetes is an independent risk factor, especially in the presence of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-Breast Cancer: T2DM is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Diabetic women often have more advanced stages of breast cancer at diagnosis and a higher likelihood of lymph node metastases.
-Colorectal Cancer: The link between T2DM and colorectal cancer is significant, with diabetic patients facing higher mortality rates from colorectal cancer compared to non-diabetic patients. The risk is particularly pronounced in men and individuals without recent colonoscopy screenings.
-Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial cancer risk is elevated in women with diabetes. T2DM, along with low physical activity and obesity, significantly contributes to the development of this type of cancer.
Mechanisms Behind the Association
The exact mechanisms linking diabetes and cancer remain unclear,
but several hypotheses exist. Chronic inflammation, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia are believed to play crucial roles. Insulin resistance and high levels of insulin-like growth factors may promote cancer cell growth. Additionally, some antidiabetic medications and cancer therapies can influence these risks.
Implications for Treatment and Prevention
Understanding the association between diabetes and cancer is vital for developing better prevention and treatment strategies. For instance, managing diabetes effectively may reduce the risk of certain cancers. On the flip side, recognizing cancer's potential to induce diabetes can guide clinicians in monitoring and managing diabetic symptoms in cancer patients.
Conclusion
The findings by Dr Pliszka and Dr Szablewski shed light on the complex relationship between diabetes and cancer, emphasizing the need for continued research in this area.
Their study was published in the peer-reviewed journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/13/7476
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