Vol 11, No 6 (2010): Practical Diabetology
Review article
Published online: 2011-02-16
How to avoid oncogenic effects of insulin
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2010;11(6):197-203.
Abstract
The new reports suggests possible linking between
diabetes and cancer incidence and diabetes treatments
influence the risk of cancer. The excess risk of
some cancers (liver, pancreas, endometrium, colon,
breast, bladder) is associated with diabetes itself,
what suggesting that the cancer could cause the
diabetes, though usually men with diabetes have
a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Diabetes and cancer
are common diseases but potential links are considerably
difficult. Possible mechanisms the relationship
between diabetes and cancer include among
others hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and inflammation.
Growth of cancer is caused by defective
expression and function of the insulin and insulin-
-like growth factors-I receptors and is promoted by
insulin interacting with receptors. Appropriate diet,
physical activity and reduction of body weight management
reduce cancer risk in diabetes. Pharmacotherapy
in diabetes is associated with an increased
or reduced risk of cancer. Early evidence suggests
that metformin is associated with a protective effect
and considerable lower risk of cancer, while different
other diabetes therapy options may promote tumour growth. Further new research will clarify how
to avoid cancer in diabetes and oncogenic effects of
insulin during the treatment of diabetes. (Diabet.
Prakt. 2010; 11, 6: 197–203)
Keywords: oncogenic effectsinsulinpharmacologic therapydiabetes