Glycemic Index, But Not Glycemic Load or Carb Intake, May Increase Bladder Cancer Risk

HIGHER glycemic index was associated with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer, though there was no correlation between disease development and glycemic load or carbohydrate intake, according to a recently published analysis that pooled data from a dozen studies.

“Studies on glycemic index or glycemic load and bladder cancer risk have been mixed with null and positive associations,” the authors wrote.

Glycemic index is a score ranging from 0 to 100 that is based on how quickly it causes blood sugar to rise. High glycemic index scores (70 or above) indicate that a food will make someone’s blood sugar rise very quickly, compared to moderate (56-69) or low (55 and below) scores.

“Foods with high glycemic index are rapidly digested and lead to a rapid peak in blood glucose and the secretion of insulin,” the researchers wrote. “Hyperinsulinemia can increase the bioactivity of insulin-like growth factor 1, which may