Hyperglycemia as a risk factor for cancer progression

Tae Young Ryu, Jiyoung Park, Philipp E. Scherer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

202 Scopus citations

Abstract

As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is substantially increasing worldwide, associated diseases such as renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and cancers have also increased. A number of cancers such as pancreatic, liver, breast, and female reproductive cancers have shown an increased prevalence and a higher mortality rate in diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects. Thus, this suggests an association between diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes and cancer incidence and progression. Recent studies have suggested that hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation and hyperglycemia, all frequently seen in diabetics, may lead to increased tumor growth; the underlying molecular mechanisms of this association are not fully understood. In particular, chronic hyperglycemic episodes could serve as a direct or indirect mediator of the increase in tumor cell growth. Here, we will discuss our current understanding how hyperglycemia and cancer risk may be linked, and what the implications are for the treatment of diabetic cancer patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)330-336
Number of pages7
JournalDiabetes and Metabolism Journal
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Cancer risk
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Therapeutics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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