- Sihem Bensalem*, Amina Khodja, Abdelaziz Ammari & Assia Bensalem
- *Endocrinology-Diabetology and Metabolic diseases, Regional University Military Hospital Commander Abdellali BENBAATOUCHE (HMRUC) Constantine, Faculty of Medicine, University Constantine 3, ALGERIA
- DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20466542
Introduction: Type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and breast cancer (BC) represent two major public
health challenges with increasing prevalence, particularly in Algeria. These
conditions share common risk factors and interconnected pathophysiological
mechanisms that may influence disease onset and progression.
Methods: We
conducted a retrospective study using data prospectively collected from
hospital registries to estimate the prevalence of T2DM–BC association among
women with breast cancer in Constantine district. Clinical, biological, and
therapeutic data were analyzed to identify diabetes-related common and specific
risk factors.
Results: The
prevalence of T2DM among breast cancer patients was 17%. Mean age at cancer
diagnosis was 62.0 ± 10.3 years, with 93% of patients aged over 50 years,
predominantly postmenopausal. Overweight and obesity affected 81.5% of
patients. Mean diabetes duration was 11.1 ± 8.3 years. Poor glycemic control
(HbA1c > 7%) was observed in 61.4% of patients. Regarding diabetes treatment:
67.0% received oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs; 83.7% on metformin), 11.6% used
lifestyle modifications alone, 11.6% combined OADs + insulin, and 9.6% used
insulin alone. The majority of patients (88.8%) were diagnosed at advanced
stages: IIIA (41.5%), IIIB (32.3%), and IV (15.0%).
Conclusion
and Future Perspectives: This first Algerian study confirms the significant
prevalence of T2DM-BC association and identifies modifiable risk factors. These
findings highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach integrating
oncologists and endocrinologists to optimize management of this complex
comorbidity. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate impact on mortality and
survival.
