Increased sugar intake linked with incidence of cancer

For vital health, we need to take of optimal level of sugars as carbohydrates from diet and sucrose or fructose from fruits, candies and other sources. On the other side, increased intake or persistently higher levels of sugar in the blood can damage our cells that not only cause diabetes mellitus (type-2) and also cancer. Sound weird?

                                                         It’s true!

The underlying association between diabetes and overweight is well studied by the medical community. Concrete evidences suggested that increased intake of any form of sugar with a sedentary lifestyle leads to diabetes and obesity (overweight). However, the link between obesity, diabetes and cancer is being understudied and of paramount importance. According to medical geographical studies, diabetics are more prone to intestine (digestive system) or pancreatic cancer than normal individuals. In European countries including Britain and Spain, childhood obesity is alarmingly increasing and hence increasing risk of cancer should be considered as a major public healthcare problem.

                                                                   

A team of Spanish scientists led by Dr. Custodia Garcia-Jimenez from University Rey Juan Carlos studied the molecular associative mechanisms of cancer and high sugar levels. The team found higher levels of blood sugar triggers a cancer progression controlling genetic material (β-catenin) by means of activation of gene-activating intestinal hormone, Gastrointestinal Polypeptide (GIP). 

In moderate blood sugar level, the GIP synthesis is regulated by pancreas and β-catenin activity is controlled. In prolonged, uncontrolled levels of blood sugar leads to uncontrolled activation of β-catenin that prevents normal cell death process or apoptosis. In clinical terms, absence of cell death leads to rapid cell multiplication which is commonly called as CANCER. 

The impact of dietary sugar on development of cancer is staggering, said Dr. Custodia. The team is being investigating the influence of other dietary causatives of cancer. Modification of dietary habits is the easiest way to prevent the occurrence of the dreadful disease, Dr. Custodia added. 

Diabetes and cancer are the leading non-communicable killer diseases all around the world. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), around 366 million people have diabetes in 2011 that could rise to 552 million by 2030. One in three cancer cases can be prevented by dietary changes, regular exercises and leading a healthy lifestyle.