Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

2

1

Came across this article today discussing how the popular diabetes drug metformin puts the brakes on cancer.

http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20120403/common-diabetes-drug-may-fight-cancer

Of course, the question I then ask myself is HOW is that so? I suspect because it basically creates an "internal hormonal milieu" similar to what one sees on a reduced carb diet.

Even the the article itself suggests as much. A quote from the article...

"...says researcher Anthony M. Joshua, MBBS, PhD, a staff medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital/University Health Network in Toronto. But a growing body of evidence -- from lab, animal, and human studies -- suggests metformin mounts a multi-pronged attack against cancer, he tells WebMD. It lowers levels of insulin in the blood, and insulin contributes to the growth of cancer cells, Joshua says."

Thoughts anyone?

flag	asked Apr 3 2012 at 19:46 Mystery Man X 1,065●2●10

3

Yes, of course. It is because whatever helps diabetes addresses insulin problems. – Ambimorph Apr 3 2012 at 19:48

1

More support for the sugar feeds tumors theory. – Happy Now Apr 3 2012 at 19:51

4

Yes...and perhaps excess insulin itself fuels cancer? Perhaps via stimulation of IGF-1? Thought it was VERY interesting that they're saying the mechanism behind how it works may be reduction of INSULIN. And while there may be some debate as to whether LC is optimum for FASTING blood sugar levels, I don't think anyone would deny it works best for reduction of insulin output... particularly if coupled with moderation of protein intake as Dr. Rosedale advocates. Perhaps high insulin levels are even MORE of a menace than slightly elevated blood sugars? – Mystery Man X Apr 3 2012 at 20:00

I've seen studies that compare NAC favorable to Metformin, with the same results minus the B-12 deficiency for insulin resistance. Does anyone know if the parallel could be extended to cancer prevention? – Happy Now Apr 3 2012 at 20:06

BrandonRN1982 · Answer 1 · 2012-04-03 21:16:47Z UTC

One of the cool things about Metformin is that it activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway. Exercise also does this.

If you take a look at this graphic representation of the AMPK pathway, you can see the significant regulatory role that it plays in energy metabolism.

AMPK Pathway

Activating the AMPK pathway serves to combat cancer on multiple fronts including P53, mTOR, etc...

Metformin is a fascinating drug. One of very few where I believe the benefits FAR outweigh any possible risks (which tend to be rare and include Vitamin B12 deficiency and lactic acidosis).

pjnoir · Answer 2 · 2012-04-03 20:02:08Z UTC

Metformin, like common aspirin, is one of those drugs that keeps on giving and reveals little in how it does it. There is a wonderful article in the Jan 2012 issue of American Scientific that links Metformin to anti-aging as it mimics many of the things that cells do to stay vigor and prevent its dying off. Metformin is of course is generic and often falls into the starter drug doctors give new patients , to be replace by the new bigPham drug that does more damage than good or to full blown insulin injections which many Diabetes don’t need. I still that a little Metformin even though my diet is perfect- it’s a great drug and I can’t believe I just wrote those words.

The Quilt · Answer 3 · 2012-04-03 21:40:32Z UTC

It is a partial activator of the Ancient Pathway I have written about in CT-6 in all mammals. Brandon's point is spot on. Plus one to you Brandon!

Common Diabetes Drug May Fight Cancer - But How?

3 Answers