Did you know that long-term diabetes can lead to pancreatic cancer? Read on to understand the connection and what some of the early warning signs to look for are.
Diabetes is an alarming health problem in India, where more than a million people live with the condition. Controlling high blood sugar levels requires a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that it can also pose a potential risk for pancreatic cancer? Diabetes, especially long-term diabetes, has been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The relationship between diabetes, particularly high blood sugar levels, and pancreatic cancer is complex and involves several biological pathways that contribute to the development of cancer over time.
How can diabetes cause pancreatic cancer?
India.com contacted Dr. Vahid S. Bharmal, Consultant, Pediatric and Adult Endocrinologist, Bhaial Amin General Hospital, to better understand the connection. The expert divulged, explaining that research indicates that people with long-term type 2 diabetes have an almost twice as high risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to non-diabetic people. There are several reasons for this increased risk:
- Chronic hyperglycemia: Constantly high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can damage cells and tissues throughout the body, including those in the pancreas. Over time, this damage can cause cellular mutations and create an environment that encourages 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 stimulate the growth of cancer cells, since insulin is a growth-promoting hormone.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, often seen in diabetes, may contribute to cancer risk. High blood sugar levels and insulin resistance can trigger 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 beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin. As beta cells become damaged, diabetes symptoms worsen. This relationship can sometimes lead to a vicious cycle in which diabetes increases the risk of cancer 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, although other factors may also be responsible.
- Unwanted weight loss: Unexpected weight loss, especially in people already managing diabetes, may indicate 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, may occur if a pancreatic tumor blocks the bile duct.
Prevention Tips
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, people with diabetes can take steps to control 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 cell 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 control blood sugar and insulin levels. Regular exercise also helps improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which are beneficial in reducing the risk of cancer.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking is a well-known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance. Therefore, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
