An Evidence-Based Review of Diabetes Care: History, Types, Relationship to Cancer and Heart Disease, Co-Morbid Factors, and Preventive Measures

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia due to the decreased and inadequate levels of insulin in the body, resistance to the effects of insulin, or a combination of both. There are three types of diabetes. However, Type 2 disease is the most common, followed by Type 1 and gestational diabetes. Most common factors responsible for diabetes are obesity or being overweight, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, ethnic background, sedentary lifestyle, and family history. Because of the increased longevity, it is becoming a disease of the elderly, thus contributing to the complexity of managing it in the ageing population. Diabetes also has implications for cancer and heart disease. Some studies have shown increased cancer risk in prediabetic and diabetic individuals. A recent major study draws firm conclusion that diabetes promotes a person’s risk of developing different types of cancer. The occurrence and mortality of cancer types, e.g., pancreas, liver, colorectal, breast, endometrial, and bladder cancers, may produce a modest rise in diabetics. Women with diabetes are 27% likelier to develop cancer compared to healthy women. On the other hand, only 19% more men with diabetes are likely to develop cancer when compared to healthy men. Preventive measures such as proper diet, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, and controlling obesity may improve Type 2 diabetes (T2D) outcomes and some forms of cancer. Developing awareness of the genetic association relationship between T2D and coronary heart disease has begun to provide the potential for better prevention and treatment of both disorders. Significant preventive measures for diabetes include - the consumption of nutrients such as vitamin D, nuts, minerals chromium and magnesium, controlling weight, hypertension, plant foods, and a Mediterranean plant-based diet along with increased exercise.