Some diabetes drugs like Ozempic may lower risks of 10 cancers, study finds

Multiple factors contribute to someone’s risk of developing cancer. Obesity is one risk factor that can increase the risk of some cancer types. Researchers are interested in discovering strategies that will best help to decrease someone’s risk for obesity-related cancers.

A new study found that people with type two diabetes who were treated with glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists were at a reduced risk for 10 different obesity-associated cancers.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are common conditions that can pose a risk to people’s health. Diabetes treatment approaches may play a role in future health risks, and researchers are starting to connect the dots regarding data in this area.

A studyTrusted Source published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source compared groups of people with type 2 diabetes receiving three treatments: individuals taking glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), those taking insulin, and those taking metformin.

The results of the study showed that participants on GLP-1RAs saw a significant risk reduction for 10 out of 13 obesity-associated cancers compared to participants taking insulin.

The results suggest that GLP-1RAs may help prevent some obesity-associated cancers.

July 17, 2024