Diabetic LDL Extremes Linked to Cancer

09/05/08 Research

People living with diabetes may have to add yet another complication to an already long list: a new study indicates diabetics with excessively high or abnormally low LDL may be more prone than others to cancer of all types.

There are two types of cholesterol transporters to the cells, LDL and HDL. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because when there is too much of it, it appears to act with other proteins in thickening vessel walls. LDL cholesterol is responsible for decreased circulation and clots resulting in heart attacks and strokes. Still, some LDL cholesterol is necessary because it facilitates the movement of fats and cholesterol through the blood stream.

A study of 6,107 individuals by the Chinese University of Hong Kong analyzed data from the Hong Kong Diabetes Registry. Before the project began, none of the participants had any cancer diagnosis. Patients not treated with statins (cholesterol lowering medication) experienced twice the rate of cancer as those who were taking the drug.

The findings also indicate that LDL cholesterol levels less than 2.8 mmol/L and greater than 3.8 mmol/L were associated with higher cancer risk in type 2 diabetics. Excessively low LDL cholesterol levels were associated with cancer of the urinary track, genital, digestive, and lymphatic systems. High LDL cholesterol levels were linked to metastatic disease of the digestive system, bone, mouth, skin, and connective and breast tissue.

The authors of this study did not conclude that abnormal LDL cholesterol levels alone caused cancer. They propose there are other factors involved which have not yet been addressed. Lifestyle is often responsible for type 2 diabetes, and those same lifestyle choices may very well be associated with the increase in cancer risk. What has been conclusively determined is that control of cholesterol and all its components is necessary for coronary health. Cholesterol levels may also impact areas we have not yet investigated.

Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.