Review of Associations Between Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer

Abstract

Debate is ongoing regarding the relationship between type 2 diabetes and cancer, and the pathways linking the two are incompletely understood. Some posit that the relationship hinges on a common predisposing factor such as obesity, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation that increases the risk of cancer independently. Others speculate that diabetes acts as an independent risk factor for cancer because of other molecular pathways and interactions. Additionally, antidiabetic medications have been associated with changes in cancer risk. This review presents a summary of the latest studies and data concerning the relationships among type 2 diabetes, antidiabetic medications, cancer risk, and cancer prognosis.