A recent study has revealed that individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes face a significantly increased risk of developing liver and pancreatic cancers, with the impact being particularly pronounced among women. Analyzing health records from 95,000 individuals, researchers found that women with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes had nearly double the risk of pancreatic cancer and almost five times the risk of liver cancer compared to those without the condition. Men also exhibited elevated risks, with a 74% increase for pancreatic cancer and nearly quadruple the risk for liver cancer following a diabetes diagnosis. The study also noted a modest rise in bowel cancer risk for both genders.
While the exact mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear, scientists suspect that elevated insulin levels, high blood glucose, and chronic inflammation may contribute to cancer development in individuals with type 2 diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant cancer screening and proactive management strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes to mitigate these heightened risks.
