Understanding the Diabetes-Cancer Link
Unmanaged diabetes is known to cause several health complications. As the body struggles to deal with the high blood sugar levels (BSL), almost every organ from the skin to the bones, nervous system to the digestive system, is negatively impacted. Over time, this can result in a variety of health issues including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, vision problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer!
Yes, statistics show that there is a definite link between diabetes and cancer, although no validated scientific study exists as yet, there is little doubt that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of some cancers.
Diabetes doubles the risk of some cancers: liver, pancreas colorectal, and breast, for instance.
Diabetes and cancer do have some common risk factors, including age, bad dietary habits, low to no physical activity and high-stress levels. These are also prime risk factors for inflammation, which is one of the key triggers for insulin resistance and increased cancer risk
Preventive Measures
It is clear that lowering blood sugar levels also lowers the risk of cancer. There are several things one can do for this:
Switch to a healthy diet, skewed towards plant-based whole foods that are low on the GI scale, and rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, vitamins, and minerals.
Exercise regularly
- Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day; include cardiovascular movements, resistance training, and flexibility & balance sessions.
De-stress
- Stress is another big trigger for insulin resistance. Try and work a daily meditation routine into your everyday practice. If you suffer from chronically high-stress levels, seek professional help to manage it
Talk to your doctor
- It is essential that everybody, especially older populations, get their health checks done regularly. This is the best way to stay on top of any incipient health issues.
Risks of Cancer from Diabetes Drugs
There is no definitive proof that diabetes treatments increase the risk of contracting cancer. While some drugs, such as metformin reduce the risks of cancer, others might increase the risk factor. But this has by no means been substantiated.
So do not let this affect your diabetes treatment. If you’re not clear of the risks, talk to your doctor. What is clear though is that lowering your BSL will help reduce your risk of health complications associated with diabetes, and, thus, cancer.
Takeaways
Ideally, one should aim to be completely free of diabetes. And we know this is possible. Over 12000 people, many of them heavily diabetic and on multiple drugs, and suffering from several other chronic health complications have completely reversed their diabetes, become medicine free and are now living happy, healthy lives, thanks to FFD’s Holistic Transformation Programs. Their stories are shared on our website for all to read and be inspired. For more information on our reversal programs, visit us at www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/programs
