Type 2 diabetes impacts colorectal adenoma detection in screening colonoscopy

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of adenoma detection rates (ADR) in initial screening colonoscopies to further investigate the role of diabetes in adenoma detection.

A chart review was performed on initial average risk screening colonoscopies (ages 45-75) during 2012-2015. Data collected included basic demographics, insurance, BMI, family history of CRC, smoking, diabetes, and aspirin use. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models for binary outcomes were used to examine the relationship between diabetes and variables associated with CRC risk and ADR.

Of 2865 screening colonoscopies, 282 were performed on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Multivariable analysis suggested that T2DM (OR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.13-1.97, p = 0.0047) was associated with an increased ADR, as well as smoking, older age, higher BMI and male sex (all p < 0.05). For patients with T2DM, those not taking diabetes medications were more likely to have an adenoma than those taking medication (OR = 2.38, 95% CI:1.09-5.2, p = 0.03).

T2DM has an effect on ADR after controlling for multiple confounding variables. Early interventions for prevention of T2DM and prescribing anti-diabetes medications may reduce development of colonic adenomas and may contribute to CRC prevention.