11.20 : Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood glucose levels, intensifying the insulin resistance observed in Type 2 diabetes and accelerating the disease's progression. Type 2 diabetes is also associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, memory decline in diabetic patients with Alzheimer's tends to progress more slowly than in non-diabetic patients, suggesting unique neurological interactions between diabetes and cognitive health.

Stress may also indirectly influence cancer development and progression. Although stress is not a direct cause of cancer, it can weaken immune function, reducing the body's defenses against malignant cell proliferation. A healthy immune system relies on natural killer (NK) cells to target and eliminate abnormal cells, a process that sustained stress can impair. The stress-related release of adrenaline disrupts a critical protein responsible for inhibiting cancer cell growth, potentially promoting metastasis. This biological interplay highlights how persistent stress can decrease the body's capacity to suppress tumor expansion.

Research also shows that individuals experiencing intense emotional stress, such as bereavement, have an elevated risk of cancer within a one-year period. This is thought to occur because stress-induced immune suppression weakens the body's natural surveillance against tumor formation and progression. These associations emphasize the importance of stress management strategies in potentially reducing the risks associated with both Type 2 diabetes and cancer.