Impaired fasting blood sugar, diabetes tied to higher risk of colon cancer: Study

Japan: A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shown an association between impaired fasting blood sugar and an increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). 

According to the study, normal-high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were associated with a higher risk of incident CRC events. In men, CRC risk started to increase from normal-high FPG. However, the CRC risk increased only in women with DM. Thus, hyperglycemia detection can help identify people at higher risk of subsequent CRC events. 

Diabetes is reported to be associated with incident CRC. However, the detailed association between FPG and incident CRC has not been understood fully. To determine the same, Hidehiro Kaneko, Department of Advanced Cardiology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, and colleagues aimed to assess whether hyperglycemia is associated with a higher risk for CRC.

Using the JMDC Claims Database [n = 1 441 311; median age, 46 years; 56.6% men), analyses were conducted. None of the participants was taking antidiabetic medication or had a history of CRC, colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.