Surrey: Type 2 diabetes has a genetic link with breast, bowel and pancreatic cancer, scientists say.
In a study conducted at the University of Surrey, experts tried to find out whether some patients with type 2 diabetes also develop cancer.
According to Diabetes UK, the research findings help to explain why people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of breast, bowel and pancreatic cancer. Also, this research may lead to new methods of disease prevention.
The research (which has not yet been published in a medical journal) was presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference in London.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Obese people have a seven percent increased risk of developing the disease compared to people of a healthy weight. However, other factors such as lack of adequate exercise and genetics also play a role.
Hundreds of different genetic variants that cause type 2 diabetes have already been identified, and genetics are known to increase cancer risks.
However, the genetic factors that link type 2 diabetes and increased cancer risk are still not well understood.
