- Researchers report that certain type 2 diabetes drugs also used for weight loss could help lower colorectal cancer risk.
- Obesity and diabetes are both risk factors for colorectal cancer.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular screenings, and managing diabetes can all help lower colorectal cancer risk.
A class of type 2 diabetes medications that includes weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic might also help prevent colorectal cancer, according to new
Researchers report that these drugs, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), help manage diabetes and spur weight loss by lowering blood sugar, increasing insulin production, and slowing stomach emptying.
Because both obesity and diabetes are risk factors for colorectal cancer – the
The researchers reported that study participants treated with GLP-1 RAs had a 44% lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to other people with type 2 diabetes who were treated with insulin throughout a 15-year period of study data.
In addition, the people treated with GLP-1 RAs also had a 25% lower risk of colorectal cancer than those treated with the drug metformin.
“The exact reason why diabetes is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer remains elusive,” said Dr. Daniel Landau, a medical oncology, internal medicine and hematology doctor and an expert contributor for The Mesothelioma Center in Florida who was not involved in the study. “Theories include that diabetes is a pro-inflammation state, and inflammation is a risk for cancer, excessive exposure of tissue to endogenous sugars promotes an environment in which cancers can grow, and diabetes often coincides with other risk factors such as…
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