Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. It affects millions of people worldwide and is a growing concern due to its complications.

One of the lesser-known complications of diabetes is its link to cancer. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cancer than those without it. In this article, we will explore how diabetes increases the risk of cancer and what steps can be taken to reduce this risk.

How diabetes can increase the risk of cancer?

Diabetes can increase the risk of cancer in various ways:.

High insulin levels: People with diabetes have higher insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells use glucose for energy. However, high insulin levels can also promote the growth of cancer cells. Insulin can stimulate the cancer cells to grow and divide, leading to the formation of a tumor.
Inflammation: People with diabetes often have low-grade inflammation. Chronic inflammation can damage the body’s cells and promote the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Obesity: Obesity is a known risk factor for both diabetes and cancer. People with diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can increase the risk of cancer.
Metabolic abnormalities: People with diabetes often have metabolic abnormalities such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. These abnormalities can promote the growth of cancer cells.
Immune system dysfunction: Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight cancer cells.

Types of cancer associated with diabetes

Diabetes is a risk factor for many types of cancer. Some of the cancers that have been associated with diabetes are:.

Colorectal cancer: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than those without diabetes.
Pancreatic cancer: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those without diabetes. In fact, diabetes is often diagnosed during the course of pancreatic cancer.
Breast cancer: Studies have shown that women with diabetes have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Liver cancer: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing liver cancer than those without diabetes.
Bladder cancer: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than those without diabetes.

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of cancer

There are various measures that people with diabetes can take to reduce their risk of cancer. These include:.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for both diabetes and cancer. People with diabetes should aim to maintain a healthy weight to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise not only helps to control blood sugar levels but can also reduce the risk of cancer. People with diabetes should aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cancer. People with diabetes should aim to eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Avoid smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for many types of cancer. People with diabetes should avoid smoking to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
Manage blood sugar levels: Keeping blood sugar levels under control can reduce the risk of cancer. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels and take steps to keep them within the recommended range.

The bottom line

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can increase the risk of cancer in various ways.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer such as colorectal, pancreatic, breast, liver, and bladder cancer. However, there are various preventive measures that people with diabetes can take to reduce their risk of cancer.

These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and managing blood sugar levels.