Type 2 Diabetes, Antidiabetic Medications, and Colorectal Cancer Risk: Two Case-Control Studies from Italy and Spain

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been associated with an excess risk of colorectal cancer, although the time-risk relationship is unclear, and there is limited information on the role of antidiabetic medications.

We examined the association between type 2 diabetes, antidiabetic medications, and the risk of colorectal cancer, considering also duration of exposures.

We analyzed data derived from two companion case-control studies conducted in Italy and Spain between 2007 and 2013 on 1,147 histologically confirmed colorectal cancer cases and 1,594 corresponding controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for socioeconomic factors and major potential confounding factors.

Overall, 14% of cases and 12% of controls reported a diagnosis of diabetes, corresponding to an OR of colorectal cancer of 1.21 (95% CI 0.95-1.55). The OR was 1.49 (95% CI 0.97-2.29) for a duration of diabetes of at least 15 years. The OR was 1.53 (95% CI 1.06-2.19) for proximal colon cancer, 0.94 (95% CI 0.66-1.36) for distal colon cancer, and 1.32 (95% CI 0.94-1.87) for rectal cancer. In comparison with no use, metformin use was associated with a decreased colorectal cancer risk (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.92), while insulin use was associated with an increased risk (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.12-4.33); these associations were stronger for longer use (OR 0.36 and 8.18 for ≥10 years of use of metformin and insulin, respectively).

This study shows evidence of a positive association between diabetes and colorectal cancer, mainly proximal colon cancer. Moreover, it indicates a negative association between colorectal cancer and metformin use and a positive association for insulin use.