Lung Cancer and Metabolic Health: Why the Connection Matters

Published August 1, 2025 by Sally
Lung Cancer and Metabolic Health: Why the Connection Matters

When you hear “lung cancer,” you probably think of smoking, air pollution, or maybe genetics. But here’s something many people miss: your metabolic health, especially your blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation levels. It plays a big role in how lung cancer shows up, grows, and even responds to treatment.

Let’s break it down together!


How Metabolic Health Affects Lung Cancer Risk

The Warburg Effect: Why Cancer Loves Sugar

Lung cancer cells don’t behave like normal cells. They crave sugar and prefer glycolysis (sugar metabolism) over oxygen-based processes, even when oxygen is available. This metabolic quirk, called the Warburg effect, makes things worse by:

  • Pulling in more glucose
  • Producing more lactate
  • Creating an acidic environment that helps cancer grow

Insulin Resistance Can Make It Worse

Even if you’ve never had diabetes, lung cancer can trigger insulin resistance, and that can accelerate cancer growth. It’s a vicious cycle, but preventable and manageable when you know what to look for.


Shared Risk Factors: Smoking & Metabolism

Smoking doesn’t just damage your lungs, it disrupts your metabolism too.

Here’s how it impacts your body:

  • Triggers chronic inflammation, which leads to insulin resistance
  • Increases oxidative stress, damaging your cells
  • Builds up visceral fat, even if you’re losing weight

This creates a metabolic storm that raises both cancer risk and progression.


Why Metabolic Health Matters During Treatment

Staying metabolically healthy while undergoing lung cancer treatment can support better outcomes:

  • High blood sugar and A1C levels are linked to worse outcomes
  • Insulin resistance may reduce how well treatments like chemo or immunotherapy work
  • Medications like metformin (used for diabetes) have shown potential in supporting cancer care

By keeping your metabolic health in check, you give your body a better shot at healing and feeling better throughout the process.


What You Can Do: Prevention & Support

Quit Smoking
Still the #1 way to lower lung cancer risk and improve insulin sensitivity.

Get Moving
Even light activity boosts your insulin response and lowers inflammation.

Eat Smart
Choose anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s) and cut back on ultra-processed carbs and sugars.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Whether you’re in treatment or focusing on prevention, tracking your glucose helps you stay ahead.


Quick Lung Cancer Facts

  • Leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide
  • 80–90% of cases linked to smoking
  • Risk also includes radon, air pollution, and family history
  • Most cases fall into two types: NSCLC (common) and SCLC (fast-growing)
  • Early detection (like low-dose CT scans) and personalized treatment are key
  • Metabolic health affects both treatment effectiveness and side effects

Sally’s Wrap-Up

Lung cancer and metabolic health are part of the same story.
When you improve your blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation levels, you’re not just protecting your lungs, but also building resilience across your whole body.

Let’s work together to support both your lungs and your metabolism. 🩵