Chronic Insulin Therapy and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a common comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Antidiabetic therapies also play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. It is suspected that elevated blood insulin levels stimulate certain metabolic processes that promote cell proliferation and, therefore, the development of the disease.

Objective: To characterize patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer that use chronic insulin at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin University General Hospital.

Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who used chronic insulin during the years 2021-2022 at the Vladimir Ilich Lenin University General Hospital in Holguín. The variables studied were age groups, gender, risk factors, duration of insulin use, and associated factors.

Results: Male patients predominated, aged between 70 and 79 years old, with white skin color. Among the significant risk factors were obesity, microbiota, and inadequate diet. A high percentage of patients were observed to have poor metabolic control, despite the use of insulin and the reduction of the effects of cancer treatment. Most patients had been using insulin for more than 10 years, and almost 50% had complications related to its use.

Conclusions: There is a relationship between chronic insulin therapy, diabetes mellitus, and colorectal cancer. A case-control study using chronic insulin therapy in diabetics with colorectal cancer is recommended.