Worldwide, liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men, while it is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Type 2 diabetes is a significant risk factor for this lethal type of cancer. There’s not enough research to say that type 2 diabetes directly causes liver cancer, but scientists have identified a strong connection.
While type 2 diabetes and related chronic health conditions like being overweight or obese are common, they are also preventable and manageable. With some healthy lifestyle changes and support, you can protect your liver and reduce your risk for cancer.
The diabetes liver connection
Like the first domino in a chain reaction, the lack of blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes can wreak havoc on the body, and the liver is no exception.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia (an imbalance of lipids or fats in the blood) are the most common metabolic risk factors associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where too much fat accumulates in the liver. In type 2 diabetes, the liver cannot keep up with the demands of constantly managing high blood sugar, so excess fat is created. Having NAFLD places you at higher risk for developing liver cancer.
Without lifestyle change, NAFLD can irreparably inflame and scar the liver, causing what is known as cirrhosis. Most people with liver cancer have cirrhosis, a well-known risk factor for the disease.
Liver cancer risk with diabetes
Type 2 diabetes starts a progression of challenging health problems that damage the liver, increasing the likelihood of liver cancer.
“Individuals with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop liver cancer compared with non-diabetics,” says Michael Ney, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained gastroenterologist with Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists.
Researchers have not teased out all the factors that connect type 2 diabetes to liver cancer. However, insulin resistance, liver damage and even diabetes medications may play a role.
Protect the liver —and prevent liver cancer — with lifestyle change
Not all risk factors for liver cancer are controllable, but preventing and managing your diabetes is one thing you can do to reduce your risk.
Take the following steps to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range:
- Work toward achieving a healthy body weight
- Eat a low glycemic diet filled with vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains
- Avoid added sugars, particularly in beverages
- Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
- Stay physically active
In addition to lifestyle changes, you should work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar. They may recommend routine labs like fasting blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C. You may also need additional support with medications that lower blood sugar.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about liver health
If you have diabetes, make your liver health a priority and talk to your doctor about the best approach for preventing liver cancer.
Learn more about liver cancer detection and treatment, or schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms or concerns with a health care provider.
