High blood glucose levels might increase risk of cancer

People with a high blood glucose level might be at a higher risk of several cancers, according to a study [1] funded by WCRF UK. The researchers used data from the large Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project (Me-Can) to investigate the link between glucose levels and risk of cancer. Me-Can was established in 2006 from existing cohorts in Norway, Austria and Sweden, including a total of 578,700 individuals.

Data on glucose levels, body mass index (BMI) and smoking status were available for 274,126 men and 275,818 women. After an average follow-up of 10.4 years, 18,621 men and 11,664 women were diagnosed with cancer, and 6,973 men and 3,088 women died of cancer.

Results showed that elevated blood glucose was significantly associated with increased risk in the incidence and mortality from cancer overall, independent of BMI and smoking. Specifically, for each additional 1 mmol/l increase in blood glucose, the risk of developing cancer was increased by 5 per cent for men and 11 per cent for women. Positive associations were also found for several specific cancer types, including liver, gallbladder and respiratory tract for men and pancreas, urinary bladder and cervix for women. The results were stronger in women and for fatal cancer.

Several previous studies have linked high blood glucose levels with an increased risk of cancer. However, the strength of this association hadn’t been fully investigated among European populations. This study provides substantial evidence that high blood glucose is a risk factor for cancer in a large sample of European individuals.

High blood glucose can be a consequence of many factors, including insulin resistance and diabetes, illness, injury and certain medications.

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References

1. Stocks T et al. (2009) Blood glucose and risk of incident fatal cancer in the Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project (Me-Can): Analysis of six prospective cohorts. PLoS Med 6(12): e1000201