New Diabetes Diagnosis? Cancer Risk May Rise Too

Published date: |
Last updated: June 18, 2025 |
Estimated read time: |
Authored by:
  • AdventHealth Research Institute
Topics:
Care

A new study reveals that people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing aggressive cancers—including those of the liver, pancreas, and colon.

While obesity has long been linked to these cancers, the research suggests Type 2 diabetes itself may be an independent driver of cancer risk. The findings, presented at the 2025 European Congress on Obesity, analyzed data from over 23,000 people in the U.K. Biobank with new-onset Type 2 diabetes and compared them to more than 71,000 non-diabetic individuals of similar age, sex, and weight.

Over five years, cancer risk was clearly higher in the diabetes group:

  • Liver cancer risk was nearly 4 times higher in men and 5 times higher in women.
  • Pancreatic cancer risk rose 74% in men, nearly doubled in women.
  • Colorectal cancer risk increased by more than 25% in both groups.

Lead author Owen Tipping from the University of Manchester said the link may stem from factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, or gut microbiome changes—beyond just excess weight.

Experts say more research is needed but agree the findings highlight the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring. “This isn’t a reason to panic,” said oncologist Dr. Jack Jacoub. “It’s a reason to take action—through diet, exercise, and good blood sugar control.”

The takeaway? Type 2 diabetes may do more than disrupt blood sugar—it could quietly raise your cancer risk too.

Source: https://www.ajmc.com/view/new-onset-type-2-diabetes-linked-to-higher-cancer-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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