Is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

This article compared the association between non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The authors concluded that there was an increase in the risk of NHL in both T1D and T2D.

NHL is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system which helps fight infections. Its cause is not known but it is believed to be associated with a poor immune system. Patients with T1D and T2D have got weaker immune systems but it is not known if they are linked to causing NHL. 

This study analyzed 20 articles which included data on patients with T1D and T2D. The risk of developing NHL was measured.

Patients with T2D were 1.2 more likely to have NHL compared to patients that did not have T2D. Patients with T1D were 1.55 times more likely to have NHL compared to those without T1D. The link between NHL and DM was more common in Asian patients. A shorter duration of diabetes (1-2 years) had a higher risk of NHL than those with a diabetes duration up to 5 years or 5-10 years. 

The authors concluded that there was an increase in the risk of NHL in both T1D and T2D. 

Patients with diabetes are more likely to be frequently consulted by doctors than non-diabetic participants. Therefore the diagnosis of NHL can be more easily made in these patients. Further studies are needed.