Researchers measured levels of inflammatory proteins (cytokines) and found links to a heightened risk of obesity-related cancers

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Gerry Gajadharsingh writes

The association of inflammation and many disease processes is well known. Inflammation underlies most disease processes. Researchers looking at 6,466 people who were part of the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes project, have found that patients are 51 per cent more likely to develop obesity-related cancers such as breast and bowel if they have high levels of inflammatory proteins in their blood, in particular interleukin-6 (IL-6).

The authors suggest that “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to treatment plans can potentially help manage inflammation and reduce cancer risk.”

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by poor diet and obesity. Those with the condition face a higher risk of obesity related cancers such as breast, kidney, uterus, ovarian and thyroid, as well as gastrointestinal cancers and multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Whilst the headline is directed at patients with type two diabetes, it is known that underlying inflammation may also be contributory to many other conditions, including cancer development in patients who don’t have type two diabetes.

Lifestyle plays a big part in developing underlying inflammation, even in so-called silent inflammation (inflammation sometimes not picked up by the common inflammatory markers used in blood test such as ESR and CRP). Whilst Type 2 diabetes itself raises inflammation so does Obesity even in non-Type 2 diabetics.

I have explored using Interleukin 6, as an inflammatory marker as part of my blood profiles for my patients before (mostly in relation to rheumatology patients).  It is currently quite expensive (over £200 in the private sector), perhaps costs will come down if it becomes a more widely used inflammatory marker.

A bespoke individualised Metabolic Balance nutritional programme is currently the best anti-inflammatory nutritional program that I know of.

https://www.thehealthequation.co.uk/metabolic-balance-nutritional-programmes/

The Times

Eleanor Hayward

Millions of people with type 2 diabetes could one day be given a simple blood test to identify their risk of developing cancer, a study has suggested.

Researchers have found that patients are 51 per cent more likely to develop obesity-related cancers such as breast and bowel if they have high levels of inflammatory proteins in their blood.

The study, to be presented to the European Association of the Study of Diabetes in Madrid, examined whether a blood test could predict the risk of getting cancer in the next ten years.

More than four million people in the UK have type two diabetes.

The research looked at 6,466 people who were part of the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes project and had been newly diagnosed with the condition.

They had blood tests to measure levels of proteins linked to chronic inflammation in the body, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Those with high levels of IL-6 were 51 per cent more likely to develop an obesity-related cancer over a follow-up period of nearly ten years.

Mathilde Dahlin Bennetsen of the Steno Diabetes Centre Odense in Denmark, an author of the study, said: “Understanding which individuals are at higher risk for these cancers would allow for more targeted and effective monitoring and early detection, potentially improving outcomes through earlier intervention and personalised treatment.

“In future a simple blood test could identify those at higher risk of the cancers — however, further research is needed to determine if testing would improve early detection and management of these cancers.”

Bennetsen added: “Understanding that higher levels of inflammation can indicate a greater risk of certain cancers highlights the importance of regular check-ups and effective diabetes management.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to treatment plans can potentially help manage inflammation and reduce cancer risk.”

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by poor diet and obesity. Those with the condition face a higher risk of obesity related cancers such as breast, kidney, uterus, ovarian and thyroid, as well as gastrointestinal cancers and multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Lucy Chambers, head of research communications at Diabetes UK, said: “Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition caused by a mix of factors, including age, body weight and genetics, which increases the risk of a range of life-limiting health complications, including certain types of cancer.

“With cancer now the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, developing simple and effective ways to help doctors identify those at high risk earlier, and intervene sooner, could save countless lives.”