A large study conducted at a major diabetes research center in the United Kingdom shows that type 2 diabetes is linked to a higher risk of death from certain cancers. The findings were reported in a respected medical journal for diabetes research.
The investigation included more than 137,000 participants, each followed for roughly eight years on average. Between 1998 and 2018, overall mortality declined across all age groups, yet deaths linked to type 2 diabetes rose over the same period.
The research indicates that the presence of type 2 diabetes is associated with an approximate 18 percent rise in cancer mortality overall. Specific cancers show larger increases: breast cancer mortality rose by about 9 percent, and colon cancer mortality was elevated by a factor of around 2.4 times in those with diabetes.
Cancers already known to be connected to type 2 diabetes include liver, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers. In these tumors, the risk of death was roughly doubled among people with diabetes compared to those without the condition.
The study also found a notable trend among younger women with type 2 diabetes, with breast cancer deaths increasing by about 4.1 percent each year in that subgroup.
Experts suggest that long-term exposure to high blood glucose and insulin levels, together with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, may contribute to the development of some cancers and might worsen the outcomes of others.
The authors caution that death numbers could rise sharply if obesity remains widespread, given its strong association with both type 2 diabetes and cancer risk. Historically, diabetes was viewed mainly as a cardiovascular concern, but these data underscore broader cancer-related implications.
In light of these findings, health professionals emphasize the importance of addressing obesity and diabetes as part of cancer prevention and survivorship strategies. Public health efforts aimed at reducing obesity and improving metabolic health could help lower cancer mortality rates in the population.
Experts also highlight the value of ongoing research to understand the mechanisms linking diabetes and cancer and to identify effective interventions that may reduce cancer risk for people living with type 2 diabetes. Ongoing surveillance and preventive care are seen as critical components in improving long-term outcomes for this group.
Overall, the study adds to the growing body of evidence that metabolic health intersects with cancer risk and mortality in meaningful ways. It calls for a comprehensive approach to lifestyle, weight management, and medical care to help lessen the dual burden of diabetes and cancer, especially in populations with rising obesity rates.
For readers seeking further context on these issues, experts suggest consulting comprehensive reviews in peer reviewed medical journals and official cancer and diabetes associations, which provide practical guidance on prevention, screening, and treatment options for individuals affected by type 2 diabetes.