Diabetes and Obesity Cause of Cancer Diseases?

Diabetes and obesity cause of cancer
People who are overweight and have diabetes are at a higher risk for certain cancers. Apparently, six percent of cancer cases worldwide are due to these two factors, a British study has shown. Scientists at Imperial College London had data from 2002 on the incidence of diabetes and overweight in the population. Subsequently, assuming a latency period of ten years, they calculated the share of the two new cancer risks in 2012.

Cancer has causes: Obesity and diabetes are suspected. (Image: fotoliaxrender / fotolia.com)

A total of 12 tumor types were evaluated in 175 countries related to obesity and diabetes. Experts believe that a high body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for cancers in the gut, gall bladder, pancreas, kidney, liver, uterus, breast cancer (after menopause), ovaries, stomach, thyroid and esophagus. Diabetes is associated with tumors in the gut, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, breast and uterus. However, direct cause-effect statements can not be demonstrated in this observational study.

According to the authors, over 792,000 of the 14.1 million relevant cancers in 2012 were attributable to obesity and diabetes. That corresponds to a share of almost six percent. There were twice as many obesity cases as diabetes. Above all, western high-income countries are affected, while their share is usually low in middle and low-income countries.

Not only from country to country, but also between the sexes there were differences. In women, according to the study twice as many cancers - usually breast or uterine cancer - are favored by overweight and diabetes. In men, there is a connection to liver cancer in particular. The causes are not yet clear, however, can be read in the journal "Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology". A high level of insulin in the blood, chronic inflammatory processes and altered activity of the sex hormones are discussed. The scientists want the results to raise awareness and develop appropriate prevention measures. However, more studies are needed to support the results and clarify the background. Heike Kreutz, bzfe.de