Glucose, Growth and Stress

A Study Summary:

For the first time, Ramon Spectroscopy is allowing scientists to see inside cells and quantify exactly where energy is being used. This revolutionary technique is revealing exactly how glucose is fueling cancer growth in multiple ways.

This research used radioactive glucose under normal and hyperglycemic (excess glucose) conditions. They were able to see that cells were using glucose for much more than fuel. The Ramon Spectroscopy showed that cancerous cells were using glucose to make fats and other structural substances.

The research is yet another critical piece of evidence linking cancer and diet. Excess sugar levels are already known to fuel metabolic conditions like diabetes, and now the relationship with cancer is becoming clearer. Using the vibrational features of specific organelles (mini organs inside cells) they could see hallmarks of cancer and the clear role glucose has in keeping cancerous cells ‘alive’ (preventing apoptosis) and driving genetic changes making cancer cells more aggressive in their ability to grow and spread.

The evidence is growing that our diet is driving a dire range of diseases, promoting internal conditions that favor cancer. The double whammy of stress and glucose were shown to drive dangerous cell growth. 

Fortunately, we don’t have to give up all our enjoyable treats. Some sugars are much safer, they stimulate the taste buds without fueling cell growth. 

Do you know how to tell the difference between a safe sugar and a dangerous one?

Citations

• Kopeć, M., Beton, K., Jarczewska, K. et al. Hyperglycemia and cancer in human lung carcinoma by means of Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Sci Rep 12, 18561 (2022).