A study by the University of British Columbia highlights the link between high insulin, obesity, and increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreas cancer, the third cause of cancer mortality in the United States, could have an invisible enemy: insulin resistance. According to a recent study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, This metabolic pathology would play a central role in inflammation and precancerous transformation of pancreatic cells.
Too much insulin, land favorable to cancer
Insulin-resistance occurs when the cells of the organism react poorly to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating the level of sugar in the blood. Result: the body produces more and more insulin to try to compensate, causing chronic hyperinsulinemia. The latter, according to researchers from the University of British Columbia, excessively stimulates pancreatic cells responsible for producing digestive enzymes, triggering inflammation and a mutation of these cells to a precancerous state.
For teachers James Johnson and Janel Kopp, authors of the study, “ These data show that the increased risk of pancreatic cancer associated with poor diet and obesity is probably linked to high insulin levels ”. In other words, hormonal disruption would be the real engine of the disease.
According to DRE Emily Gallagher, endocrinologist at the Mount Sinai Health System (New York), this study highlights the importance of the role of insulin receptors in the regulation of the production of digestive enzymes and pancreatic inflammation. She insists: “ It is now necessary to explore how to use these results to reduce the risk of cancer in people at high insulin rate. ”
Hyperinsulinemia does not only concern pancreas. It is also linked to other types of cancer: colorectal, breast, ovarian, hepatic or gastric. In addition, it can precede the appearance of type 2 diabetes of several years.
Food as a prevention lever
The study recalls that simple approaches can reduce circulating insulin and therefore, indirectly, the risk of cancer:
- Adopt a balanced diet Rich in fibers (fruits, vegetables, legumes), lean protein and good fats (avocados, nuts);
- Monitoravoid excess, even with so -called “healthy” foods;
- Practice regular physical activityespecially after meals;
- Reduce your weight in the event of overweight or obesity.
Previous data has also shown that people who have undergone bariatric surgery (reduction of the stomach) see their insulin level decreasing and their risk of cancer drop.
The role of metformin, well -known antidiabetic drug, is also mentioned. By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production by the liver, this treatment could have a protective effect against certain forms of cancer.
Cancer cells feeding mainly on glucose, any strategy aimed at limiting sugar intake-especially in the event of insulin resistance-could become a complementary treatment of treatment.
This study once again highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle, not only to prevent diabetes, but also to reduce the risk of serious cancers. Insulin, a vital hormone, could become our worst enemy when it is too present. One more reason to monitor your diet, weight and metabolism.
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