Cancer and diabetes mellitus (DM) are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the global arena. Lately, several studies demonstrated that DM could promote cancer. However, the exact mechanism(s) highlighting this association are largely untouched and require comprehensive detailing. In the present review, we aimed to explore and decipher the possible mechanism of DM an cancer association. Hyperglycemia could be a subordinate plausible explanation of carcinogenesis in the diabatic patient. It is well known that high glucose levels may help in cancer proliferation. In addition, chronic inflammation, the other well-known factor of diabetes, could also play a role in carcinogenesis. Moreover, the numerous medicines to treat diabetes either increase or reduce cancer risk. Insulin is one of the potent growth factors that promotes cell propagation and induces cancer directly or via insulin like growth factor-1. On the other hand, hyperinsulinemia leads to an increased activity of growth factor-1 by inhibiting growth factor binding protein-1. To improve cancer prognosis, individuals with diabetes should be screened to discover cancer at an early stage and treated appropriately.
Keywords: cancer; diabetes; insulin; insulin like growth factor 1; sugar.
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