Cancer and diabetes are two serious health problems affecting millions of people around the world today. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, can significantly affect cancer risk and treatment outcomes. Many researches have proven that people with diabetes are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. Prominent among these are liver, pancreas, endometrial, colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer.
Let us know in detail how these two diseases are related, the reasons behind them and the challenges faced during treatment.
Relationship between diabetes and cancer
1. Insulin Resistance and Cancer
Insulin resistance is common in patients with diabetes, especially type 2.
- Increased insulin levels can promote the growth of cancer cells in the body.
- It acts as a growth factor for cancer cells.
2. Chronic Inflammation
Diabetes generates a state of persistent low-grade inflammation.
- This inflammation can promote the development of cancer in the body.
- This environment of inflammation is favorable for cancer cells to grow and spread.
3. Shared risk factors
There are some common risk factors for both diabetes and cancer:
- Obesity: This is a major cause of both diseases.
- Poor diet: Eating a diet high in sugar and fat.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise increases the risk.
Challenges of cancer patients suffering from diabetes
Cancer patients suffering from diabetes have to face many unique problems during treatment. According to Dr. Srivastava, the presence of diabetes can complicate cancer treatment and recovery.
1. Impact on treatment efficacy
- High blood sugar levels can reduce the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- This hinders the effectiveness of these treatments against cancer cells.
2. Increased Toxicity
- Diabetics are more likely to experience side effects from cancer treatment.
- Chemotherapy and other treatments may increase the intensity of side effects.
3. Delay in wound healing
- The speed of healing of wounds is slow in diabetic patients.
- This complicates recovery after surgery.
4. Higher risk of infection
- High glucose levels can weaken the body’s immune system.
- This increases the chance of infection, which makes the healing process more difficult.
Cancer and Diabetes: Prevention and Management
Some common measures can be adopted for prevention and effective management of both these diseases.
1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in fiber, protein and nutrients.
- Avoid junk food and excessive sugary foods.
2. Exercise regularly
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
- It not only controls weight but also increases insulin sensitivity of the body.
3. Regular health checkup
- Get blood sugar level and other related tests done from time to time.
- Get regular screening done for early detection of cancer.
4. Control obesity
- Maintain weight within healthy limits.
- Obesity is the main cause of both cancer and diabetes.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of both diseases.
