Blood sugar ups cancer risk

The 13-year study of 64 500 people by University of Umea researchers found that high blood sugar was associated with an increased risk for cancers of the pancreas, skin, womb and urinary tract in women. High blood sugar was also linked with increased breast cancer risk for women younger than age 49, BBC News reported.

Overall, women with the highest blood sugar levels were 26 percent more likely to develop cancer than those with the lowest blood sugar levels, the study found.

This link between high blood sugar and increased cancer risk was not noted in men.

"The results of this research are concerning," said Dr Greg Martin, science and research manager for the World Cancer Research Fund UK., which helped fund the study. "However, (the findings) are important because if women are aware of the facts, they are likely to be more motivated to change their lifestyle if their blood sugar levels are too high." – (HealthDayNews)

March 2007