(NaturalHealth365)  In recent years, there’s been growing interest in the connection between diabetes and cancer.  It’s no secret that both are significant health concerns worldwide.  Diabetes affects millions of people, and cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, especially in wealthier countries.  What’s worrying is that cancer-related deaths are on the rise, with cancer overtaking other causes of death in many affluent nations.

Adding to the complexity of these health issues is the fact that too many environmental toxins, obesity and diabetes are now recognized as risk factors for several types of cancer, including endometrial, colorectal, and postmenopausal breast cancers.  This means that people with diabetes might have a higher chance of developing certain cancers.  But why is this happening?

Millions of people walk around with a higher risk of cancer and were never told by their doctor

A recent study published in the Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism examined the link between diabetes and cancer.  This study offers valuable insights into how diabetes, especially when accompanied by obesity and high insulin levels, may heighten the risk of certain types of cancer.

Interestingly, the research suggests that intentional weight loss could potentially lower the risk of obesity-related cancers.  It also raises important questions about the role of certain medications in either protecting against or potentially increasing the risk of cancer in diabetic individuals.

Diabetes increases risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis: Large-scale study reveals disturbing trends

Researchers from the Queen Mary University of London and the University of Glasgow conducted a large study of 82 million European adults.  They determined that having type 2 diabetes is likely an independent risk factor for severe liver problems.  Their research results were published in the journal BMC Medicine.

For the study, the researchers set out to determine the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or steatohepatitis (NASH).  NAFLD is a precursor to NASH, which is much more serious and can pave the way for liver cancer.

NAFLD affects over one-fourth of Americans and seems to correlate with the surge in cases of type 2 diabetes and the epidemic of obesity.  Unfortunately, cases of NAFLD tend to go undiagnosed due to a lack of symptoms.

Generally speaking, NAFLD develops in people age 40 to 60.  When it progresses to NASH, the liver can swell and become damaged, making it vulnerable to cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure.  Western medicine estimates that about one in six NAFLD sufferers will develop NASH.

For the analysis, the researchers analyzed electronic health records from a large sample of people – 18,782,281 adults from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the U.K.  Of this group, 136,703 had a diagnosis of NASH or NAFLD.  They were matched with controls free of liver problems.

People with type 2 diabetes should take extra careful steps to protect their liver health

Participants were tracked over an average of 3.3 years.  The results showed that people with a NAFLD or NASH diagnosis were more likely to have high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes than the controls.

The researchers determined that people with NAFLD or NASH were 3.51 times more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer and 4.73 times more likely to suffer from cirrhosis.  Late diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH seemed to be a factor as well.

However, the “strongest independent predictor” of a cirrhosis or liver cancer diagnosis was having type 2 diabetes at the study outset.  The researchers concluded that people with diabetes are at a much higher risk for severe, life-threatening liver problems.

They recommend that healthcare providers educate their diabetes patients about the risks, test them accordingly, and offer lifestyle advice to help reduce their risk.

Weight loss, regular exercise, and taking milk thistle, zinc, cod liver oil, vitamin D3/K2, and CoQ10 can all help preserve and protect liver health.  The next step is to consult with a qualified, holistic healthcare provider or health coach for specific recommendations.

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to eliminate the threat of liver damage and cancer, own the Fatty Liver Docu-Class and the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

MedicalNewsToday.com
NIH.gov