Epidemiological Link Between Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cancer

Overview

Journal World J Methodol

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2021 May 24

PMID 34026577

Citations 19

Authors

Cornelius J Fernandez

Annu Susan George

Nikhila A Subrahmanyan

Joseph M Pappachan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

There exists a complex interaction between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer, and an increase in the incidence of cancer is expected with the growing obesity-diabetes pandemic. The association of cancer with diabetes mellitus and obesity appears to be site-specific, the highest risk being for post-menopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and colorectal cancer. Moreover, there is worsening of hyperglycaemia with the onset of cancer, evidencing a bi-directional link between cancer and diabetes mellitus and the need for monitoring for diabetes in cancer survivors. In this review, we look at the epidemiological evidence from observational studies and Mendelian randomization studies linking obesity, diabetes, and cancer, as well as the complex pathophysiological mechanisms involved, including insulin resistance with associated hyperinsulinaemia, the effect of chronic low-grade inflammation, and the effect of various adipokines that are associated with obesity and T2DM. Additionally, we describe the novel therapeutic strategies, based on their role on the discrete pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the tumourigenesis.

Citing Articles

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Brain Metastasis in Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review.

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The risk of cancer among insulin glargine users in Lithuania: A retrospective population-based study.

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Impact of Breast Cancer on Cardiometabolic Health in Spanish Women ≥50 Years with Pre-Existing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

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PMID: 39199624 PMC: 11352853. DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162853.

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