CLINICS FOR GERMAN INTEGRATIVE CANCER MEDICINE

Diabetes and Cancer: What You Need to Know

Dr Gunes Dr Hossami

Dr. Adem Günes & Dr. Abdulla El-Hossami

15.02.2023
Diabetes and Cancer: What You Need to Know

Diabetes and cancer are two of the most prevalent health concerns facing people today. And while they may seem like separate conditions, recent studies have shown a strong link between the two.

There is a long-established relationship between obesity and cancer. Generally, there is a link between a high body mass index (BMI) and the risk for specific cancers, including but not limited to Colorectal, Pancreatic and Kidney cancers. It has been proposed that 3% of all tumour cases in 2012 could be directly attributed to high BMI.

However, there is the very real possibility of an even more, far more insidious fact: that diabetes and cancer are linked, as suggested by an extensive study published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Indeed, researchers are not sure if this is because abnormal insulin levels can affect cancer risk or due to other health problems like obesity accompanying diabetes. But many research outcomes point to the fact that diabetes and cancer are related to inflammation, obesity, and increased blood sugar. And there is also research on the relation between all kinds of cancer, including pancreatic cancer and diabetes.

SINISTER SYNERGY
The investigation measured the extent of cancer caused by the combination of diabetes and high BMI. They examined the occurrence of 12 varieties of cancer from 175 nations in 2012, combining the data with information on high BMI and diabetes. Age group and gender data sets were then carefully scrutinised; BMI data from 2002 was used to calculate cancer occurrences a decade later for these risks.

The two decades between 1980 and 2002 saw a stark increase in the number of people with diabetes, which in turn saw a spike in attributable cancers, to the tune of 26.1%.

Henry Chi Hang Fung, MD, vice chair of hematology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and the focal point of the study, related the consequences of this investigation to the connection amongst smoking and growth – namely that smoking will not guarantee Lung Cancer, but will doubtlessly and in drastic fashion greatly increase the probability of the occurrence cancer in general, and Lung Cancer specifically.

Be that as it may, the aftereffects of this investigation, and any future examinations connecting diabetes to cancer, ought to bring regard for what is a pressing public health issue.

In the case of smoking, extensive medical research has demonstrated that as the rate of smoking diminishes, so too does the rate of Lung Cancer. This is no fixed path on how to avoid cancer, however. According to the researchers, it would be prudent to consider the possibility of controlling diabetes. The mounting positive correlation between cancer, diabetes, and obesity does not need to change public health practice, the report concludes. That said, it would be prudent to dynamically implement positive food policy to combat associated risk factors.

STEPS TO MANAGE DIABETES AND REDUCE CANCER RISK

Measures to prevent cancer and manage diabetes

Eat Healthy – And it is found that the steps taken to manage diabetes do help reduce cancer risk. So, it is essential for people with diabetes to eat healthy, say the experts. It will go a long way in reducing cancer risk. Eating a plant-based diet rich in whole grains, veggies, and fruits high in fiber is ideal for a diabetic person. And the same foods are recommended to lower cancer risk. Also, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight as obesity can increase cancer risk.

 Exercise – Exercising is essential as recommended for a diabetic person, and so is it for cancer prevention. Exercising and taking a balanced diet can help keep your blood sugar in check along with your weight. It will lead to keeping your cardiovascular system healthy too.

Alcohol intake – Moderation in alcohol consumption is a recommendation by experts to keep yourself healthy. It is the same for diabetes management and cancer prevention. Heavy drinking damages cells and leads to cancer. Alcohol is high in calories and consuming it uncontrollably affects the growth of the waistline. And obesity leads to many health issues, including diabetes and cancer.

CANCER TREATMENT RISKS CAUSED BY DIABETES

Having diabetes can increase cancer risk treatment. Here are the reasons:

  • Cancer treatments and side effects can affect blood sugar levels.
  • Cancer treatment can worsen the health problems caused due to diabetes.
  • People with diabetes can face more severe cancer treatment side effects. There is an increased chance of getting infections and may need a prolonged hospital stay during treatment.

It is challenging to treat any type of cancer for diabetic people. Sharing your problems with the doctor can help your oncologist to know the correlation between your prostate cancer and diabetes. And the team can prepare an optimal treatment plan and prescribe medications conducive to your health condition prevailing.

 WHICH CANCER TREATMENT AFFECTS DIABETES

Cancer treatments can affect blood sugar levels. Get enlightened on this and how risky it is for you as a diabetes patient from your doctor. Know about the specific cancer treatment plan and how to manage your diabetes. The team will make a treatment plan taking into consideration all the symptoms, for example, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer symptoms.

The healthcare team will help you manage and monitor your blood sugar levels during the cancer treatment. The steps taken for this are:

  • Checking blood sugar levels more often
  • Adjusting the current medication dose
  • Starting new diabetes medication

CANCER TREATMENTS AFFECTING DIABETES

Here is a list of treatments that can affect diabete:

Chemotherapy – some chemotherapy drugs can enhance blood sugar levels. Having nerve damage due to diabetes can worsen due to chemotherapy drugs.

Steroid medications – steroids can increase insulin resistance by causing hyperglycemia. So, it is essential to take them in optimal doses. Also, those not on insulin may need to take it or increase its dosage.

Targeted therapies – can affect cellular pathways that control how the body uses insulin.

Immunotherapy – immunotherapy drugs can cause hypo or hyperglycemia.

Hormone therapy – is a therapy that helps remove, block or add hormones that aid in destroying or slowing the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can increase blood sugar levels.

Surgery– it is essential for the doctor to ensure that the blood sugar level is under control before surgery. Wounds take longer to heal in a body with high blood sugar levels. And this can increase the infection risk.

CANCER-RELATED SIDE EFFECTS AFFECTING DIABETES

Side effects from cancer treatment make it hard to balance blood sugar. The doctor will recommend a change in the diabetes medications or sometimes the dose of the current medicines taken. It is essential to relieving side effects during cancer care and diabetes care. And this palliative care can help cancer survivors to feel better. The common side effects of cancer treatment are:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Appetite loss
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue

ABOUT VERITA LIFE
At Verita Life, we provide Integrative Cancer Treatments for many types of cancer including using a wide range of Primary Cancer and Immune Treatments. We provide a vast range of therapies and treatments, including but not limited to IPT, Metabolic, Biological, Herbal and Metronomic. These therapies lead to the degradation of cancer cells at minimal risks and restore quality of life by alleviating cancer symptoms. Most of our patients have shown vast improvements in their personal well-being through the personalised Comprehensive Programmesmes.

For more in depth guidance referring to our Cancer Treatment plans, please contact us.

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