According to the Indian Council of Medical Research or ICMR, long-term and poorly managed diabetes in women can lead to a high risk and progression of endometrial cancer.
How does diabetes cause uterine cancer?
Experts say elevated blood sugar levels can contribute significantly to the growth and spread of cancer cells.
PCOSMany women, who have diabetes also suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, which is one of the major causes of endometrial cancer in younger women.
And so, while you are battling to regulate your blood sugar levels, make sure to talk to your doctor about regular checks for uterine cancer.
Women with diabetes have twice the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer
Managing type-2 diabetes is not just important for controlling blood sugar levels, but also reducing the risk of more severe, life-threatening diseases like cancer. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research or ICMR, long-term and poorly managed diabetes in women can lead to a high risk and progression of endometrial cancer.
The apex health body says studies conclude that those with diabetes have twice the likelihood of developing endometrial or uterine cancer that occurs when cells lining your uterus grow abnormally and can spread to other parts of the body.
How does diabetes cause uterine cancer?
Experts say elevated blood sugar levels can contribute significantly to the growth and spread of cancer cells. Also, a few biological mechanisms like hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, altered glucose metabolism, chronic inflammation, and obesity signal pathways are crucial in the development of this cancer.
Risk factors that lead to an increase in endometrial cancer cases
According to experts, in recent years, several lifestyle factors have led to a significant increase in cases of uterine cancer among young women. A few of these risk factors include:
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance leads to high blood sugar levels which activate pathways that promote cancer cell growth. This increases inflammatory markers, strengthening the development and progression of endometrial cancer.
Medicines
According to doctors, certain medications that are used to keep blood sugar levels in control are also linked to increased proliferation and invasiveness of endometrial cancer cells.
Sedentary lifestyle
Experts always suggest living an active lifestyle with regular exercise if you have diabetes. However, sedentary life with high blood sugar levels exacerbates the risk of cancer.
PCOS
Many women, who have diabetes also suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, which is one of the major causes of endometrial cancer in younger women. PCOS is an endocrine disorder that leads to metabolic syndromes.
Ways to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer
To reduce your risk of cancer as a diabetes patient, it is important to keep the following in mind:
Blood sugar control
It is important to keep your blood sugar levels in control and for that take a healthy diet, and exercise regularly
Lifestyle changes
Adopting a good and active lifestyle is an effective strategy for reducing your risk of endometrial cancer
Medication
According to experts, medicines like metformin are extremely helpful in managing blood sugar levels, reducing hyperinsulinemia, and potentially lowering the risk of cancer
Weight management
Maintain a weight that is healthy for you
Hormonal balance
Talk to your doctor about using progesterone-based or combined estrogen and progesterone hormonal contraceptives that help offer some protection against uterine cancer
Doctors say there is no screening tool for endometrial cancer, and they usually do not recommend regular testing for people without symptoms. They may do so if you are at higher risk, though. And so, while you are battling to regulate your blood sugar levels, make sure to talk to your doctor about regular checks for uterine cancer.
