It is well known that diabetes complications include heart attack, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. However, many people are unaware that diabetes has another "chronic complication"—malignant tumors. How does high blood sugar collaborate with cancer cells? What can people with diabetes do in their daily lives to effectively prevent cancer?

1. People with High Blood Sugar Have a Higher Risk of Cancer

Recently, a study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet indicated that heart disease and stroke are no longer the leading causes of death for people with diabetes. Cancer now poses a greater threat to their lives. Research has shown that women with type 2 diabetes are more prone to cancer than men. Compared to the general population, their cancer risk is 62% higher for women and 34% higher for men. And this isn't just a concern for diabetics—those in the pre-diabetic stage (with elevated blood sugar levels but not yet diabetic) are also at risk. According to a 2020 diabetes survey, about 400 million people in China are in the pre-diabetic stage.

2. Why Cancer Targets People with Diabetes

Glucose is the energy source for tumor cells. A prolonged high blood sugar state can serve as a nutrient base that promotes the growth of tumor cells. When diabetes is detected first and then a malignant tumor is found, this may be related to the chronic stimulation of normal organs by long-term high blood sugar. Additionally, persistently high blood sugar levels may cause cellular respiration dysfunction, leading to the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells.

3. How People with Diabetes Can Avoid the “Cancer Disaster”

1. Healthy Diet

Reducing red meat intake and limiting processed meats can lower cancer risk. A balanced diet should include a variety of foods every day, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy products.

2. Weight Control

Obesity is linked to over 20 types of cancer, most notably colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of both diabetes and cancer.

3. No Alcohol

Excessive drinking can adversely affect many aspects of the body, and even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of certain cancers. To prevent cancer, it’s best to avoid alcohol entirely.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking cessation is a top priority in cancer prevention. Since 1991, cancer mortality in the U.S. has decreased by 26%, more than half of which is attributed to the decline in smoking rates. Quitting smoking benefits people of all ages.

5. Regular Exercise

People who engage in at least 30–60 minutes of moderate to high-intensity physical activity daily have a reduced cancer risk, particularly for breast, colon, prostate, lung, and endometrial cancers. It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week, or a combination of both.

6. Consistent Treatment

Only by activating the repair of pancreatic islet function and restoring the body's ability to lower blood sugar autonomously can diabetes be fundamentally resolved, preventing further complications.

7. Regular Screenings

Once diagnosed with diabetes, it is crucial to undergo a comprehensive examination and continue with yearly check-ups. Additionally, early diagnosis of digestive tract tumors through procedures like colonoscopy and gastroscopy should be prioritized. Obese women with diabetes should regularly undergo breast ultrasounds, mammograms, and gynecological exams to detect tumors early, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment.