In a recent blog post, I pointed out the very strong relationship between thyroid nodules and prediabetes and diabetes.
Not surprising, considering that the diabetic spectrum is the worst thing that could happen to your body. So, there are clear associations between prediabetes / diabetes and thyroid problems. But what about thyroid cancer?
Before we delve into thyroid cancer in particular, let’s look at cancer and the diabetic spectrum. (BTW, I refer to the “diabetic spectrum” rather than prediabetes or diabetes in particular because the difference is purely arbitrary–both are incredibly devastating to the human body). Insulin levels are elevated in the diabetic spectrum as the body tries to better manage the elevated glucose that is having a harder and harder time making it into the cells.
Insulin is a proliferative hormone, meaning that it causes cells to divide more. Any time a cell divides, the chance for an error is present. And, while cell division is darn near perfect, it is not 100% perfect. An error in cell division can lead to cancer. This means that anything that causes a cell to divide more would potentially increase the risk of a cancer developing.
And this would be relatively non-discriminatory as to the type of cancer. This is why we see an elevation of so many different types of cancer in the diabetic spectrum.
Now back to thyroid cancer.
In this particular study, researchers looked at the contribution of diabetes to the development of and mortality associated with thyroid cancer. While there was a clear association between diabetes and thyroid cancer mortality, that wasn’t the shocker.
Here’s the shocking stats of diabetics’ risk of dying from thyroid cancer:
- Men 75 years of age, 185% increased risk, women 22% lower risk
- Men 65-74 years old, 121% increased risk, women 203% increased risk
- Men 55-64 years old, 253% risk, women 299%
- Men 25-54 years old, a whopping 580% increased risk, women, not to be outdone, 534% increased risk
The surprising aspect of these numbers is the greatly increased risk in the younger ages. And these are some pretty serious increases in risk.
The bottom line is that this study confirms, yet again, that the diabetic spectrum is THE most dangerous beast you will ever battle against. While many would believe heart disease, cancer or dementia would be the answer, it is not. These conditions are the end result of NOT doing battle against the original enemy.
If you’re not sure what changes to make to lower your risk, be sure to download (AND read!) my ebook, Dr. Bogash’s Lifestyle Recommendations.