A high glycemic index and glycemic load increased the risk of gastric cancer: A case-control study in Korea

Diet is a critical risk factor for gastric cancer, and Koreans consume significantly high amounts of carbohydrates. This study examined the association between carbohydrate intake, glycemic index, and glycemic load and the risk of gastric cancer and whether the association varied based on the general risk factors for gastric cancer. We hypothesized that carbohydrate intake, glycemic index, and glycemic load elevated gastric cancer risk and the relationship differed by the gastric cancer risk factors. This was a case-control study with a total of 307 matched pairs aged 20 to 79 years. Data collection was completed at two hospitals from December 2002 to September 2006. A food frequency questionnaire was applied for dietary assessment. Carbohydrate intake was not related to gastric cancer risk. However, a high glycemic index (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.18-2.97) and glycemic load (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.53-4.12) were significantly associated with the elevated risk of gastric cancer. When the relationship between glycemic load and gastric cancer risk was stratified by risk factors for gastric cancer, the gastric cancer risk especially increased among men, ≥65 years, smokers, drinkers, and people with Helicobacter pylori infection. Although there was no association between carbohydrate consumption and gastric cancer, high glycemic index and glycemic load were associated with the increased gastric cancer risk.