Diabetes and Increased Cancer Risk: It has long been understood that Type 2 diabetes contributes to the potential for certain types of cancers. Recent findings suggest the increased risk may be higher than originally believed. The good news is there may be a way to reduce the risk of both diabetes and diabetes-influenced cancer.
According to EmaxHealth.com, “The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) in collaboration with researchers in Sweden and the United States, evaluated data from 125,126 Swedish citizens who had been in the hospital for problems related to type 2 diabetes.”
What they discovered was that there were two dozen different types of cancer that were more prevalent in those with Type 2 diabetes. The EmaxHealth.com article stated, “The comparison showed that people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing 24 different types of cancer among those the epidemiologists explored. The greatest risks were for pancreatic cancer (sixfold increased risk) and liver cell cancer (4.25-fold risk). Cancers that posed more than twice the risk were those that affect the kidneys, thyroid, esophagus, small intestine, and the nervous system.
“A curious finding was that people with type 2 diabetes have a significantly lower rate of prostate cancer, which was especially obvious in patients who had a family history of the disease.”
A secondary report from EmaxHealth suggests, “Diabetes, primarily type 2, doubles the risk of liver, pancreatic, and endometrial cancer. It also increases the risk of colorectal, breast and bladder cancer by 20 to 50%.” Add to these findings the fact that individuals with Type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
To reduce the risk of diabetes complications, heart issues, stroke and diabetes-influenced cancer people need to understand that exercise may be as close to a magic bullet as they will find. By reducing weight a diabetic can improve glucose control as well as decrease heart, stroke and certain cancer risks.
The report is clear that scientists are currently at a loss as to how to explain the link between diabetes and cancer risks. What they are aware of is the fact that when diabetes is in control multiple risks are reduced.
According to the American Diabetes Association(ADA), “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest how much activity Americans should do. Keep in mind they are goals, not the place to start.
- People with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or the general adult public should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes most days. Walking, gardening, doing yard work, swimming, or cleaning house will all work to meet this goal. Anything that increases your heart rate and causes you to break a light sweat.
- Children and teens should aim for at least 60 minutes most days.
In addition, the Diabetes Prevention Program—a large study done in people with pre-diabetes—showed that 150 minutes of physical activity a week (30 minutes, five times a week) helped prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In this study, people also lost 10 to 20 pounds by making changes in their eating habits.
Do these guidelines seem hard to fit in to your busy life? It’s not easy to find the time. You won’t go from zero to thirty or sixty (minutes), in a day or week. Take one step at a time. Slowly build up to your goal. (Source: ADA)
Following a season of stretching these are the most recommended categories of exercise.
- Aerobic Exercise
- Strength Training
- Flexibility Exercises
