A Link Between Diabetes and Esophageal Cancer
Written by Sejal Dave, MS, RD/LD, CDE of HealthCastle.com
Published in August 2008
(HealthCastle.com) A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (March 2008) shows a strong relationship between the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes, obesity and esophageal cancer. It has been found that a higher amount of carbohydrate consumption is related to a greater incidence of esophageal cancer. And along with an increase in carbohydrate intake comes a rise in weight gain or obesity. According to the National Nutrient Data Bank, Americans started to eat more carbs (about 120 grams/day) around the same time that the esophageal cancer rates increased.
Carbohydrates and Esophageal Cancer
The study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology points specifically to a connection between refined or simple carbohydrates and esophageal cancer rates. Refined or simple carbs are typically in the form of corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup and are found in many different products from bread to cereal to juice. Complex carbs are found legumes, non-starchy vegetables, and foods that contain whole wheat grains. Complex carbohydrates are also a better source of dietary fiber and will keep you feeling fuller longer than refined carbohydrates. When looking at nutrition labels choose the product that has greater than 3 grams of fiber per serving to optimize your fiber intake.
It is important to note that the study’s investigators state that eating more carbs does not cause esophageal cancer; however, there is a strong link between eating more carbs and a rise in obesity and esophageal cancer.
Know your carbs. Here are some examples of different carbohydrate sources:
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Refined Carb
|
Complex Carb |
- fruit juice
- fruit
- white rice
- white pasta
- white bread
- soda
- candy
- cakes
- cookies
|
- starches and legumes
- whole grain cereals
- whole grain rice
- whole grain pasta
- whole grain bread
- beans (garbanzo, black, kidney, navy, etc)
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The Bottom Line
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When it comes to your health, it’s not only important to take a good look at exactly what you’re eating, but also how much of it you’re eating. A lack of portion control appears to be related to a greater incidence of obesity. In the study discussed above a correlation is being made between the amount of food (specifically carbs) consumed and the risk of developing conditions like diabetes and esophageal cancer. Determine the amount of carbs that is right for you based on your activity level and weight-management goals. Most people need about 35-40 grams of carbs a meal (that's about two slices of bread and 1 cup of salad).
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