Type 2 diabetes patients face heightened risks for specific cancers like liver, pancreas, endometrial, breast, colorectal, and bladder compared to the general population, according to Dr. Archita Mahajan—nutritionist, child care expert with a Master’s in Food Nutrition & Dietetics, homeopathic pharmacist, trained yoga teacher, and Padma Bhushan nominee honored by Punjab and Himachal governments. Elevated insulin, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress fuel cancer cell growth, though not all cancers link equally—blood sugar control and healthy lifestyles remain crucial.
Why Diabetes Drives Cancer Risk:
- High Insulin Levels: Acts as a growth hormone in Type 2 diabetes, spurring cell proliferation; insulin, IGF-1, HbA1c, and PSA levels soar abnormally.
- Chronic Inflammation: Creates a cancer-friendly environment in the body.
- Hyperglycemia: Provides cancer cells with excess energy from high glucose.
- Metabolic Issues: Often pairs with fatty liver, amplifying liver cancer odds.
- Obesity Factor: A major diabetes driver that independently boosts multiple cancer risks.
High-Risk Cancers by Group:
| Group | Key Cancers at Elevated Risk |
|---|---|
| Men | Liver, Pancreas, Colorectal, Prostate (aggressive forms) |
| Women | Breast, Bladder, Endometrial, Liver, Pancreas, Stomach, Kidney, Leukemia |
| Both | Pancreas, Liver, Colorectal, Endometrial, Breast, Bladder |
Type 1 diabetes shows stronger stomach cancer links, but Type 2—with its obesity ties—poses broader threats. Managing sugar, maintaining ideal weight, balanced eating, and active living can significantly lower these risks.
