Researchers at National Taiwan University examined how diabetes affects the course of colorectal cancer, which concerns cancers of the colon and rectum. The study was published in a reputable cancer journal and adds to the growing evidence that metabolic health can influence cancer treatment outcomes.
The team analyzed records from the Taiwan Cancer Research Center covering 2007 to 2015. The data set included about 59,000 patients with cancer in stages I to III who had tumors surgically removed. During follow up, roughly 9,500 patients experienced cancer recurrence, and about 21,000 died from any cause.
Compared with individuals without diabetes, the overall risk of death did not rise significantly in those with uncomplicated diabetes. However, patients with complicated type 2 diabetes faced substantially higher mortality, being about 85 percent more likely to die from any cause and roughly 41 percent more likely to die specifically from cancer. Diabetes complications can include vision problems, nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart conditions. The amplified risk tended to be greater among women and those with earlier stages of colorectal cancer.
Experts suggest that high blood insulin and glucose levels, along with a persistent state of systemic inflammation common in type 2 diabetes, may drive these outcomes. The findings highlight the potential benefit of coordinated, multidisciplinary care that manages diabetes complications while also supporting cancer treatment and recovery, potentially improving the chances of long term cure.
Earlier researchers have explored cancer risk and prognosis in the context of metabolic disorders, including how diabetes influences tumor behavior and treatment response. Ongoing work in this area aims to refine risk assessment and tailor care plans to optimize outcomes for patients facing both diabetes and colorectal cancer.