The relationship between insulin resistance and colon cancer

Abstract

Obesity and colon carcinoma are a growing health problem with colon carcinoma being the most common cancer of the alimentary tract. Risk factors for colon carcinoma, which are mediated by insulin resistance, include the so-called Western diet that is rich in high glycemic foods and beverages, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and others. We reviewed English papers cited on MEDLINE concerning epidemiological data and pathophysiology that link insulin, insulin growth factor-1, insulin resistance, and adipocytokines with colon cancer. Insulin resistance, a crucial mechanism that links obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, and the metabolic syndrome, is a state in which the normal response of cells to insulin is reduced, which results in hyperglicaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. Some of the pathophysiological mechanisms have been thoroughly investigated and defined, and some are still to be discovered. Raising the awareness and subsequent prevention of the obesity- insulin resistance- metabolic syndrome cascade could influence, and thereby lower the adenoma-adenocarcinoma occurrence, that is now on a rising path.