People with diabetes may experience changes in their urinary and digestive health, and research shows there may be different effects on the body impacting the development of prostate cancer.

Diabetes can affect prostate health in several ways, primarily by being tied to enlarged prostate, inflammation of that gland, and urinary issues that may come from long-term higher blood sugar levels.

You can discuss these concerns with your healthcare team and consider any needed testing and preventive measures as part of your diabetes management and care plan.

With the body not producing or using insulin as effectively as it would without the condition, those with any type of diabetes may experience higher blood sugars.

Over time, these can lead to many different complications and varying effects on the body.

Prostate health is one of the possible victims. This can develop for different reasons, including:

  • Insulin resistance and more insulin: Elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance are common in type 2 diabetes, and this may stimulate prostate tissue growth, which can contribute to prostate enlargement.
  • Nerve damage: Diabetes and higher blood sugars over time can damage the nerves and lead to diabetic neuropathy. This nerve damage, or autonomic neuropathy, can damage the nerves that control the bladder and lead to worsening urinary symptoms and the bladder’s ability to empty completely as it naturally would. This is known as a neurogenic bladder.
  • Chronic Inflammation: The chronic inflammation tied to diabetes and higher blood sugars may also promote prostate enlargement.

A number of prostate-related health issues may develop for those with diabetes.

Diabetes may increase the risk of prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland. The reasons are not fully understood but are theorized to be related to the nerve and blood vessel damage and reduced infection resistance caused by diabetes.

Research shows that men with diabetes are more likely to develop severe prostate symptoms if they have an enlarged prostate, compared to those who only have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without diabetes.

They may also lead to lower urinary tract symptoms, including:

  • frequent urination, especially at night
  • urgency to urinate
  • difficulty starting urination
  • weak or slow urine flow

Managing blood sugar levels and keeping glucose in the target range is the best way to help prevent diabetes complications in general, including nerve damage and possible effects on the bladder and your prostate health.

Research does not show a direct, clear connection between diabetes and prostate cancer.

Some meta-analysis studies do suggest men with longtime diabetes, especially T2D, may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This may be a result of lower levels of testosterone or changes in insulin-like growth factors (IGF) in men with diabetes.

However, other research indicates that men with diabetes who develop prostate cancer may be at higher risk for a more aggressive form of prostate cancer and an increased risk of dying from the disease. This is particularly related to those with higher blood sugar and A1C levels over time.

In recent years, some research has also shown that the T2D medication metformin may be linked to a reduced incidence or recurrence of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to determine if metformin has any significant benefits that could help with prostate or other cancers.

That same study reported no increase in overall survival for those taking metformin to treat prostate cancer, but the medication did help with some side effects related to hormone therapy for the prostate cancer.

Diabetes can affect your prostate health.

Higher blood sugar levels over time can raise the risk of diabetes-related nerve damage, which can affect different parts of the body and how your bladder and prostate work. Over time, this hyperglycemia mat also cause chronic inflammation that can contribute to cancer development.

People with diabetes may experience changes in their urinary and digestive health, and research shows there may be different effects on the body impacting the development of prostate cancer.

You can work with your healthcare team to manage the condition and possibly reduce the risk of developing prostate-related complications from diabetes.