Marwa Zaied, Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Birket Elsaba General Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Glucose, Glycation, Aging… and Cancer: The Hidden Biochemical Link
Evidence-based insight from oncology and metabolic science
We all know glucose fuels the body — but when levels fluctuate too high for too long, the consequences extend far beyond aging skin or metabolic stress.
Glycation: The Silent Accelerator
Excess glucose binds to proteins and lipids, forming Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). These AGEs accumulate in tissues, stiffen collagen, and drive inflammation and oxidative stress — the same mechanisms behind accelerated aging.
But here’s the critical connection:
Chronic inflammation plus oxidative damage plus metabolic dysregulation leads to a biological environment that supports tumor initiation and progression.
What the research shows:
Studies in Cancer Research highlight that AGEs activate RAGE receptors, triggering signaling pathways (NF-κB, MAPK) that promote cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion.
Research in Diabetes Care links high glucose variability and elevated AGEs to increased oxidative DNA damage, a known precursor for carcinogenesis.
Why this matters—even for non-diabetic individuals:
You don’t need diabetes to experience harmful glycation. Frequent glucose spikes from daily habits (processed foods, poor sleep, stress) elevate AGEs and create a pro-aging, pro-tumor microenvironment.
Science-backed strategies to reduce glycation and lower cancer risk:
Maintain steady glucose through balanced meals (protein plus fiber plus healthy fats).
Prioritize antioxidant-rich foods that neutralize glycation-induced free radicals.
Build muscle — increasing glucose uptake and reducing circulating glucose.
Limit ultra-processed sugars that rapidly drive glycation.
Healthy aging and cancer prevention start with metabolic stability.
When we control glucose, we reduce glycation… and we weaken one of cancer’s silent biochemical allies.”
More posts featuring Marwa Zaied on OncoDaily.
