Diabetes and cancer

Abstract

In the last years association between diabetes and cancer became a subject of special interest. In the light of papers published in the last few years, diabetes can be considered as a risk factor for some types of cancer. In the first part of this paper data showing the increased risk of cancer incidence and cancer mortality in diabetic population are presented. In the next part pathogenic mechanisms linking diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, inflammation and hyperglycemia with cancer risk are discussed. In the third part an impact of antidiabetic treatment on cancer risk is demonstrated. In the summary practical implications for every day clinical practice are drawn and directions of future research are indicated.
(Diabet. Prakt. 2010; 11, 2: 54-63)