Evaluation of the relationship between pre-diagnostic life style and diabetes in individuals with malignancy

Epidemiological studies have shown that some types of cancer has increased in diabetes. 469 patients with different malignancies between the ages of 18-70 were evaluated based on 3 groups [Group I patients with diabetes before malignancy treatment and diagnosed as having diabetes with diagnosis of malignancy (n= 97), Group II patients with diabetes after malignancy treatment (n=17) ), III.Group of patients with malignancy but no diabetes (n = 355)]. In addition, two subgroups were examined according to Group I malignancies. Patients' demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, smoking, alcohol use, food consumption habits, glycemic status, malignancy treatments were evaluated in terms of their effect on glucose metabolism. The highest BMI values (33,2±6,7 kg /m2) and the lowest weekly physical activity duration values were found in Group I (p<0,05). Based on pre-diagnosis of food consumption frequency and consumption evaluation, patatoes, legumes and sugar with tea and coffee were significantly different(p<0,05). In Group IA, BMI (35,8 ± 7,7kg / m2) was higher and the longest duration of smoking was found. The consumption of red meat and molasses were higher in GrupIB, whereas the consumption of dessert was found higher in GroupIA. Also, nuts consumption frequencies showed a significant difference (p <0,05). It was found that 90% of patients with diabetes before malignancy treatment did not comply with their diets, 28,8% were not followed up for diabetes, and 18,8% did not use antidiabetic drugs. 29,4% of the patients having diabetes after the treatment of malignancy were diagnosed with diabetes after pancreatic surgery and 17,6% of them were diagnosed with diabetes after corticosteroid treatment. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, improper eating habits, non-compliance with diabetes treatment, being uncontrolled have contributed to the deterioration of glycemic controls of patients with diabetes. This may contribute to the malignancy by triggering basic mechanisms. For this reason, diabetes should be considered as a risk factor for cancer and the patient should be directed to multidisciplinary specialists for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Key words: diabetes mellitus, cancer, risk factors, nutrition, antidiabetic theratment