Diabetes Cancer Risk is Real, Higher in Women, Study Shows

Diabetes and Cancer Statistics

Unfortunately, the truth behind diabetes cancer risk is not a pretty one. Studies show that those who have diabetes have a much higher risk of developing cancer, in any form. Diabetes and cancer statistics show that although diabetes can be associated with a high risk of certain cancers, they do show a reduced risk of of prostate cancer. These diabetes and cancer statistics some from the National Library of Medicine and also show some of the following facts on the relation between these diseases.

The association between diabetes and certain cancers come from similar risk factors that include; age, weight, diet and lack of physical activity.
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising and managing weight can not only reduce risk of diabetes but also some types of cancer and other illnesses.
Anyone, of any age, with diabetes should be screened for cancer when possible.

Can Diabetes Cause Cancer?

Information researched by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes suggests that women with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, had a higher risk for cancer. The cancer that these women are more susceptible to are stomach, mouth and kidney. This same research, done through a search of reports in PubMed Medline, shows that women with diabetes have a 27% higher risk of cancer compared to those without. On the other hand, the diabetes cancer risk in men is 19% higher in those who have diabetes than those who do not. Other diabetes and cancer statistics from the study revealed that:

Women have a 11% higher risk of developing kidney cancer
Women have a 13 % higher risk of developing oral cancer
Women have a 14% higher risk of developing stomach cancer
Women have a 15% higher risk of developing leukemia

All of these percentages reflect the risk compared to men. Although, the exception to these statistic is liver cancer. Women have a lower risk than men of developing liver cancer if they have diabetes.

Confirmed: The Truth About the Diabetes Cancer Risk

A study completed by the George Institute for Global Health and the Department of Epidemiology have confirmed that diabetes does raise the risk for someone to develop cancer. They compiled information of 47 studies from throughout the world showing that women with diabetes are at the greatest risk, but that doesn’t leave men by the wayside, they too are at risk.

Why you may wonder … High levels of blood glucose (sugar) possibly damage a person’s DNA and when someone’s DNA is altered, t then causes higher risk for disease.

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

At the end of the day, it’s important to think about preventing diabetes before it starts. Even if you already have diabetes, following some of these tips for overall health are good to follow.

Manage your weight – if you realize that you have excess weight, start working towards getting it off. Try loosing around 5% of your initial body weight. This can help not only in the prevention of diabetes but your overall health.

Exercise – If you have put it off for a while, it’s time to get back on it. Try going for a walk a few nights a week. You should be doing at least 30 minutes of exercise around 5 days a week. Try walking on your lunch break or after dinner. Get a friend or someone in your family involved, have someone hold you accountable. Exercise will not only help you loose weight but will make you feel better, it’s a natural stress reliever.

Watch what you eat – Choose the right types of food. Don’t eat junk food, opt for things that are low in sugar, carbs and fat but high in protein. Watch your portions and make sure you are drinking enough water.