At first glance, it may appear that diabetes and cancer are unrelated;
However, as with other non-communicable diseases,
the number of patients with diabetes and cancer is continuously
increasing, especially in low- and middle-income countries;
And according to recent studies, people with type 1 and
type 2 diabetes are more commonly diagnosed with cancer -
and are more likely to die of cancer - than people without diabetes.
The relationship between the two diseases is stronger
among certain types of cancer, including kidney, pancreatic,
breast and colorectal cancer.
occur in developing countries. Cancer is among the leading
causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately
14 million cases and 8.2 deaths each year. The proportion
of diagnosed cancers in low- and middle-income regions,
such as Africa, Asia, South America, and Central America, is
estimated to account for about 70% of all cases worldwide.
Without early detection and timely diagnosis both patients
with diabetes and those with cancer are at risk of being diagnosed
at advanced stages, reducing their chances of managing
the disease. Limited access to diagnostic tools and innovative
and quality medicines is a very important barrier in
reducing the increasing impact of diabetes and cancer in lowand
middle-income countries.
Prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases,
such as cancer and diabetes, can only be achieved through
the joint efforts of health professionals, governments and
regulatory agencies, insurers and individuals themselves. The
health industry also plays an important role in gaining better
access to diagnostic tools and innovative treatments. We must
be aware of this responsibility and commit ourselves to the
constant search for new ways to transform health care and
achieve great successes and better outcomes for patients in
Latin America.
There are certain pharmaceutical companies that are already
working and research is under way to restore lost beta cells -
which produce insulin and allow the body to regulate blood
sugar levels - in patients with type 1 diabetes. The study is still
in its early stages, but results suggest that an oral drug could
help treat or cure type 1 diabetes.
No comments:
Post a Comment