The Link Between Diabetes and Colon Cancer

Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated On 07-28-2025

The association between Colon Cancer and Diabetes

What You Need to Know

Welcome to Gastrodoxs! Today we are considering a significant issue, the association of diabetes and colon cancer.

If you've ever asked:

• Is diabetes a risk factor of colon cancer?
• What are the impact of diabetes on colon?
• What is the risk of colon cancer amongst type 2 diabetics?

You're in the right place. We will describe it all- with the assistance of GI expert, based in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri.

Section 1: This section entails a brief overview of Diabetes

Diabetes occurs as a result of the inability of your body to handle blood sugar properly. There are two main types:

• Type 1 - Your body does not produce insulin.
• Type 2 - Your body does not respond to insulin.

The majority of adults suffer type 2 diabetes. With time, the body will have damaged organs, nerves, and blood vessels by the high level of sugar in the blood.

It is not only about sugar as it affects many body parts, including the colon, says Dr. Pothuri.

Fast facts:

• In the U.S. there are more than 34 million diabetics.
• Type 2 is associated with age, weight and activity deficiency.
• This is because early diagnosis eliminates chronic issues.

Section 2: What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer begins at the large intestine or rectum. It can start off as small growths (polyps) which may develop into cancer in the future.

Key points:

• Red flags: (blood in) stool, toilet training, stomach pain.
• Screening tip: prior to the age of 50 years - screening every 10 years or at more frequent intervals, as needed.
• Good news: With early diagnosis, the survival rate can be 90 percent in five years.

Get familiar: CDC Colon Cancer Screening Guide

Section 3: Is Diabetes associated with an increased risk of colon cancer?

Research indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes are 20% -30% more likely to develop colon cancer.

Why?

• Insulin resistance - High insulin may contribute to tumor growth.
• Chronic inflammation - Constant inflammation may lead to cell damage.
• High blood sugar - Glucose can aid the growth of cancer cells.

Diabetes does not provide you with colon cancer, states Dr. Pothuri. About that, you raise your risk.

Section 4: The Relations between Diabetes and Colon Cancer

The connection between diabetes and colorectal cancer is a simple breakdown as follows:

• High insulin and IGF-1 The hormones can stimulate the cancer cells to grow.
• Oxidative stress High blood sugar forms harmful molecules that damage DNA.
• Chronic inflammation Type 2 diabetes is associated with long-term inflammation.
• Gut bacteria changes Wake Diabetes can alter the natural balance of your gut.

Summary: The effect of Diabetes on Risk

• Greater insulin and growth hormones
• Sugar spikes damage cells
• Continuing colon tissue inflammation
• Disrupted gut microbiome

Read more at NIH - Diabetes and Cancer

Section 5: The Effect of Diabetes on Your Colon

There are a number of ways in which diabetes can influence the health of colon:

• Slow digestion Food and waste transit slower and this can aggravate the colon lining.
• Unhealthy diets High sugar foods do not only damage blood sugar but cells as well.
• Weak immune defenses Poor sugar control weakens immune defenses lactic asthma.

We help develop plans that will support blood sugar and colon health in the hot weather of Houston, says Dr. Pothuri.

Section 6: Risk of Colon Cancer among Type 2 Diabetics

• 20%-30% high risk of colon cancer
• Increased susceptibility to colon cancer on the right-hand side
• Men can be slightly more at risk than women do
• The good news? You will be able to reduce this risk by doing the right thing

Section 7: Advice to patients by Dr. Pothuri

- In case you are diabetic, do not miss your screenings, says Dr. Pothuri.

- We usually do earlier colonoscopies on patients with type 2 diabetes.

- Good food, healthy weight, regular movement and stable sugar levels are all a long way.

- Angle, the resources of Houston are amazing- please ask your local Gastrodoxs team to assist.

Section 8: Risk Reducing Moves to Healthy Living

Both the problems of colon cancer and diabetes can be avoided through good habits.

Smart Lifestyle Choices:

• Keep a healthy weight
• Consume increased amount of fiber and reduced amount of red meat
• Work out at least 150 minutes a week
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Control your sugar level

Screening Musts:

• Colonoscopy every 10 (or 5 in case of polyps) years
• Inquire of your physician regarding stool tests
• Provide your family history to your provider

Pro-tip: The Houston Gastroenterology Center has a walk-in screening and sugar control workshop.

Section 9: Comparison Table of Risk

Section 10: Final Thoughts

There is the relationship between diabetes and colon cancer but these are not predetermined risks

You will be at risk of increased risk in case you are diabetic type 2. However, through regular screenings, healthier food preference, exercise, and management of sugar in the blood, you can be in charge of your health.

In Gastrodoxs, our team of researchers in Houston led by Dr. Bharat Pothuri are here to assist. We can develop a strategy that is functional.

External Resources

• CDC - Colon Cancer Screening
• NIH - Diabetes and Cancer

Thank you for reading!

This is something that should be shared with friends and families in Houston and other locations. Getting to know more about the diabetes and colon cancer relationship, we can make some efforts to remain healthy collectively.

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.