Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with diabetes. The reason for this is not known. Most of the risk is found in people with type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is increasing in children and adolescents as obesity in these age groups also rises. Type 2 diabetes in adults is also often related to being overweight or obese. It’s not clear if people with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes have a higher risk.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or
properly use a pancreatic hormone called insulin. Insulin helps the body
utilize glucose (sugar) efficiently. Normally, insulin allows glucose to enter
cells to be used for energy. In the case of diabetes, either the body does not
produce enough insulin or the amount that is produced is not fully effective.
Instead of entering cells, the glucose remains in the blood resulting in high
blood glucose levels. Diabetes can cause major health problems, such as
high-blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease and neuropathy. Long-term high
blood glucose levels can lead to cell damage and long-term complications.
There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes
results from the body’s inability to produce insulin and accounts for
approximately 5% of those diagnosed with the disease. Type 2 diabetes results
from the body’s failure to properly use insulin combined with insulin
deficiency and accounts for most diagnosed cases of diabetes in the United States.
Pre-diabetes occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than
normal, but are not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Approximately 79 million Americans are pre-diabetic. Other types of diabetes
result from specific genetic conditions, surgery, medications, infections,
pancreatic diseases and other illnesses.
Diabetes’ link to Pancreatic Cancer
Diabetes has become a widespread chronic condition in
modern society, with millions of people living with it worldwide. It is widely
known that diabetes affects the body in many ways and is associated with
several complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney
disease. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that diabetes may also
increase the risk for pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes and pancreatic cancer have been known to have
some linkages for decades. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have
an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those without. Likewise,
the risks are even higher for those who have diabetes for an extended period.
Long-standing type 2 diabetes is known to alter hormonal signals and increase
blood glucose levels, which eventually lead to inflammation in the pancreas.
The inflammation increases the chances of pancreatic cancer development since
it damages the cells and DNA within the pancreas.
The relation between diabetes and pancreatic cancer can
be unpacked from different perspectives. Firstly, diabetes and obesity are
closely linked; those who carry excess weight often have higher levels of
insulin and blood sugars. These conditions increase the risk of developing
pancreatic cancer over time. Secondly, diabetes affects the functioning of the
pancreas adversely. People with diabetes have overactive insulin-producing
cells and more insulin-like growth factors, aggressive enzymes, and
DNA-damaging molecules – all factors that increase the chances of cancerous
cells being formed. Thirdly, diabetic people are often exposed to various
medications for treatment. These medications may, at times, lead to pancreatic
cancer development after long-term use.
Although researchers are unsure of the exact relationship
between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, it is widely agreed that there is a
clear association between the two. Awareness of the potential risks is vital
for preventing and managing pancreatic cancer. Therefore, it is essential for
diabetic patients to prioritize lifestyle modifications and regular screening
to manage their risk.
Sudden Change in Diabetes could Signal a Problem.
There are some situations, in which it pays to be extra
vigilant and carefully suspicious. If someone is lean, exercises, and develops
diabetes out of nowhere, or if they have a history of well-controlled diabetes
and suddenly it gets a lot worse, that should make a doctor wonder if there is
an underlying problem, which could include pancreatic cancer. Your doctor
should consider this in relation with other risk factors. These include a
family history of pancreatic and other cancers, smoking, and damage to the
pancreas from behaviors like heavy drinking. Also, important to consider is
that pancreatic cancer often causes unexplained and unintentional weight loss.
What Foods may Help control Diabetes?
People with diabetes and cancer have special nutritional
needs. An individual can have a positive influence on his/her blood glucose and
overall health by choosing foods wisely. By eating well-balanced meals,
individuals can keep their blood glucose level as close to normal (non-diabetes
level) as possible. The proper balance of nutrients from food, medication,
physical activity and nutritional supplements is needed to improve blood
glucose control, physical healing, weight maintenance and quality of life.
No single food will supply all the nutrients a body
needs, so good nutrition means eating a variety of foods. It is important to
eat foods from each group at each meal every day.
Foods are divided into five main groups:
·
Fruits and vegetables (oranges, apples, bananas,
carrots, and spinach)
·
Whole grains, cereals, and bread (wheat, rice,
oats, bran and barley)
·
Dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt)
·
Meats and meat substitutes (fish, poultry, eggs,
dried beans, and nuts)
·
Fats and oils (oil, butter, and margarine)
It is important to eat foods from each food group at each
meal every day. Meals and snacks should include starch/grains, protein, dairy,
fruits, vegetables and fats. By eating foods from each food group at each meal,
an individual ensures that the body has a proper balance of all nutrients it
needs to function. Eating meals and snacks at regular times is also necessary
for controlling blood sugar levels.
The body uses calories from carbohydrates for energy and
uses protein to build lean body mass. Choosing foods with complex
carbohydrates, such as starch and fiber, may help in the control of blood
glucose levels. Plant-based foods contain fiber that can help lower blood
glucose and cholesterol levels. Foods high in fiber include: bran cereals,
cooked beans and peas, whole-grain bread, fruits and vegetables. Eating
high-protein foods and small amounts of healthy fat with every meal and snack
also may help control blood sugar levels. High-protein foods include: dried
beans, peas, lentils, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Foods high in
healthy fats include: olive, canola and peanut oils, olives, avocados, nuts and
seeds and fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore
tuna and salmon.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://pro.endocrineweb.com/type-1-diabetes/type-1-diabetes-linked-increased-risk-some-types-cancer
https://www.mskcc.org/news/three-things-people-diabetes-should-know-about-pancreatic-cancer-risk
