Did you know that long term diabetes may lead to pancreatic cancer? Read on to understand the connect and what are some early warning signs to spot.
Diabetes is an alarming health concern in India with over a million living with condition. Managing high blood sugar levels requires a healthy lifestyle . But, did you know that it can be a potential risk for pancreatic cancer as well? Diabetes, especially when it is long-standing, has been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The relationship between diabetes, particularly high blood sugar levels, and pancreatic cancer is complex, involving several biological pathways that contribute to cancer development over time.
How Diabetes May Cause Pancreatic Cancer?
India.com got in touch with Dr. Vahid S. Bharmal, Consultant- Adult & Paediatric Endocrinologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, to understand the connection better. The expert divulged explaining that research indicates that people with long-term Type 2 diabetes have a nearly twofold increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to non-diabetic individuals. There are several reasons for this increased risk:
- Chronic Hyperglycemia: Consistently high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can damage cells and tissues throughout the body, including those in the pancreas. Over time, this damage can lead to cellular mutations and create an environment that supports cancerous growth.
- Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia: In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin in an effort to regulate blood sugar levels. High levels of insulin in the bloodstream can encourage the growth of cancer cells, as insulin is a growth-promoting hormone.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, often seen in diabetes, may contribute to cancer risk. High blood sugar and insulin resistance can lead to inflammatory responses that damage cells and potentially lead to the formation of cancerous tumors in the pancreas.
- Beta Cell Damage: Pancreatic cancer can destroy the pancreas’s beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. As beta cells are damaged, diabetes symptoms worsen. This relationship can sometimes lead to a vicious cycle where diabetes both increases cancer risk and worsens with the development of pancreatic cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer in Diabetic Patients
- Worsening Glycemic Control: A sudden or unexplained deterioration in blood sugar control could be a warning sign, though other factors may also be responsible.
- Unintended Weight Loss: Unexpected weight loss, especially in people who are already managing diabetes, may signal pancreatic cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- New-Onset Diabetes in Older Adults: The sudden development of diabetes in older adults, particularly when blood sugar levels are high and accompanied by weight loss, could be indicative of pancreatic cancer.
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back, may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, or jaundice, can occur if a pancreatic tumor blocks the bile duct.
Prevention Tips
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, individuals with diabetes can take steps to manage their risk and improve their overall health.
- Maintain Good Glycemic Control: Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range is essential for reducing inflammation and cellular damage that can lead to cancer.
- Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: A balanced diet low in processed sugars and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help manage blood sugar and insulin levels. Regular exercise also helps improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy weight, which are all beneficial in lowering cancer risk.
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking is a well-known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and excessive alcohol intake can exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can therefore reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.