Diabetes and skin cancers: Risk factors, molecular mechanisms and impact on prognosis

Abstract

Diabetes and skin cancers have emerged as threats to public health worldwide. However, their association has been less intensively studied. In this narrative review, we explore the common risk factors, molecular mechanisms, and prognosis of the association between cutaneous malignancies and diabetes. Hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, low-grade chronic inflammation, genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors partially explain the crosstalk between skin cancers and this metabolic disorder. In addition, diabetes and its related complications may interfere with the appropriate management of cutaneous malignancies. Antidiabetic medication seems to exert an antineoplastic effect, however, future large, observation studies with a prospective design are needed to clarify its impact on the risk of malignancy in diabetes. Screening for diabetes in skin cancers, as well as close follow-up for the development of cutaneous malignancies in subjects suffering from diabetes, is warranted.

Clinico-pathological Spectrum of Primary Skin Malignancies in an Indian Tertiary Care Hospital

“…This mechanism plays a role in initiating cancers and further progression through enhancement of mitosis and inhibition of apoptosis. [ 21 ]…”

Global Needs and Barriers for Medical Research Education: Initiatives to Solve the Physician-Scientists Shortage

“…We see the successfully published articles of these collaborations as a transcript of our efforts. The manuscripts tackled topics in the fields of hematology and oncology, [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] ethics (e.g., diversity, equity and inclusion), [24][25][26][27] infectious diseases, 28,29 surgery, 30,31 pediatrics, 32 and physical and rehabilitation medicine. [33][34][35] We invite you to read them and encourage you to include students and early career scientists in your research projects.…”

Role of Insulin Use and Social Determinants of Health on Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Results From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

“…5 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 to 3 million new cases of NMSC are diagnosed each year globally, 6 and in North America, this disease is characterized as being one of the most prevalent types of cancer 7 , 8 particularly among the aging population of White males. 8 - 10 The observed steady increase in its prevalence 11 and incidence rate 9 over the last 3 decades marked NMSC as an important public health problem that is of global concern.…”

“…Diabetes is a chronic health condition marked by elevated levels of glucose in the blood, and over time, it can lead to severe systemic complications that cause considerable morbidity and mortality. 18 It has also become a burden on the socioeconomic system, 11 thus emerging as a public health threat. Few studies have shown an association between diabetes and the development of certain cancers, 19 including NMSC.…”