It is well understood that high blood sugar and the development of Type 2 diabetes increases a persons risk for cardiovascular disease. Now a new study from Sweden has found a positive relationship between blood sugar levels and cancer risk.
The study, published in the March issue of Diabetes Care, involved information from more than 65,000 men and women. Persons with previously diagnosed diabetes were not excluded from the study.
Analysis of all the data found an increased risk for several types of cancer, including liver, pancreas, and colon, in persons with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops in adulthood and is often the result of chronicially high blood sugar levels in persons who are unfit and have a poor diet.
The researchers were also interested in any relationship between blood sugar and cancer in those not diagnosed with diabetes. Fasting blood sugar levels were compared to total risk for cancer during the study follow-up period.
They found that blood sugar levels were associated with increased cancer risk in women and not men. Women who had the highest fasting blood sugar levels (without being diabetic) had a 26 percent increased risk for developing cancer compared to women who had the lowest fasting blood sugar levels.
In both men and women cancers of the pancreas, urinary tract, and malignant melanoma are more likely to occur if the blood sugar begins to creep up in adulthood.
This study supports the need for education about diet and lifestyle factors that may predispose one to diabetes. Healthcare providers should also educate patients about blood sugar control to help prevent slight elevations over long periods of time.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on March 16, 2007 02:38 PM
