There is a growing body of evidence to support a connection between diabetes (predominantly type 2), obesity and cancer.Multiple meta-analyses of epidemiological data show that people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing many different types of cancers, along with an increased risk of cancer mortality. Several physiological mechanisms for this relationship have been postulated,
including insulin resistance and hyperinflation, enhanced inflammatory processes, regulations of sex hormone production and hyperglycemia. In addition to these potential mechanisms,
a number of common risk factors, including obesity, may be behind the association between diabetes and cancer. Indeed, obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancer and diabetes.
Abdominal adipose has been shown to play a role in creating a systemic pro-inflammatory environment, which could result in the development of both diabetes and cancer.
Here, we examine the relationship between diabetes, obesity and cancer, and investigate the potential underlying causes of increased cancer risk in individuals with diabetes.
Current treatment recommendations for reducing the overall disease burden are also explored and possible areas for future research are considered.
