To say that diabetes can cause cancer or vice versa is a controversial thing.  But recent study conducted by researchers from different institutions revealed that patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are likely to have potential risks to developed cancer.

Three studies were conducted to probe the relationship between diabetes and cancer and the result was posted in the website Diabetes In Control.

The first diabetes and cancer surveillance study was conducted in China among 16 million residents in a district. The study aims to assessed cancer risk among patients diagnosed with T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus). Patient's information is recorded in a database together with a unique identification number for easier monitoring. Over a year of surveillance the results revealed that pancreatic cancer have the strongest among the patients. However, there are limitations considered such as short period of follow-up, patient's lifestyle such a smoking and obesity.

The second study was conducted to probe the relationship between kidney cancer and T2DM. It was found out that the medication drugs sulfonylurea and metformin caused a relative effect on the patient's kidney. However, there are also limitations considered such as short period of follow-up, the absence of biochemical data such as glucose and lipid profile, C-peptide and insulin. Anthropometric parameters are also considered such as family history, obesity and diet.

The third study was conducted to probe the relationship between diabetes and breast and endometrical cancer to female patient admitted for malignant cancer between 1997 and 2000 as well as those with major illness for 20 years. The study was conducted through the use of cox proportional hazard regression and results suggested that an increased risk in breast and endometrical cancer is possible for diabetic female patients. There are also limitations considered such as BMI, diabetes treatment regimens duration and socioeconomic characteristics.

To comment on the results of the studies, Derek LeRoith of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City said in a statement, "The evidence for type 2 is strong, with type 1 it's unclear." As the endocrinologist and professor, LeRoith added that only few studies are focusing on type 1 and those are the patients were unlikely to develop cancer.