Link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer

What does your pancreas do?

You can’t live without your pancreas. This is an essential organ that releases digestive enzymes to help your body break down the food you eat. It also releases insulin and glucagon, which regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

If you do not have enough insulin or your body is unable to properly use the insulin it has, your blood sugar levels will rise, resulting in diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes that most people have heard of, and a fourth, less commonly known type:

• Type 1 diabetes. The pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 1 was previously called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes. The pancreas may not produce enough insulin or the body may not be able to use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes was previously called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that can go undiagnosed for long periods of time.
• Gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Type 3c diabetes. Type 3c is caused by damage to the pancreas from conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer affects the cells of the pancreas, most commonly the pancreatic cells. It is the third leading cause of death from cancer because it is usually diagnosed at a later stage when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it may be discovered accidentally during a scan of the pancreas or surrounding area by your healthcare provider. When a disease is discovered by chance, it is called an accidental discovery.

How does diabetes relate to pancreatic cancer?

When it comes to diabetes and pancreatic cancer, researchers face the old chicken and egg question. It is not clear whether diabetes can cause pancreatic cancer or whether pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes. Or both.

Studies have shown that up to two out of three people have diabetes or pre-diabetes before being diagnosed. These findings may suggest that diabetes plays a role in the development of pancreatic cancer. One theory is that persistently high blood sugar levels and long-term pancreatic inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes increase their risk of pancreatic cancer.

But could it be the other way around? Some people develop diabetes suddenly without having any risk factors for the disease. Soon, especially if you are over age 50, you may be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In this case, diabetes may be a symptom of pancreatic cancer.

Who is at risk for diabetes-related pancreatic cancer?

Risk factors for diabetes-related pancreatic cancer include:

• black or hispanic
• If you have had diabetes for more than 5 years
• People over 50 years of age diagnosed with diabetes, especially if they have no family history or other risk factors for the disease.
• Damage to the pancreas causes type 3c diabetes.
• Living with Obesity

How can you reduce your risk of diabetes-related pancreatic cancer?

Because many people with pancreatic cancer have diabetes or pre-diabetes before diagnosis, the first step to reducing your cancer risk is to manage your blood sugar levels as best as possible. In addition to taking your medications, this means exercising and eating a healthy diet to minimize blood sugar fluctuations.

Other steps you can take to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer include:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products
• avoid alcohol
• Avoid processed and red meat

If you have diabetes, you cannot completely prevent developing pancreatic cancer, but you can be vigilant and try to lower your risk. If you suddenly have trouble keeping your blood sugar within range, contact your health care provider (HCP). If you are over age 50 and newly diagnosed with diabetes, consider asking your health care provider to screen you for pancreatic cancer. The earlier pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.