Type 2 Diabetes Can Increase Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer: Study; Risk Factors You Must Know

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition which affects the way your body processes blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is a condition which affects your day-to-day functioning to a great extent. Now, a recent study has said that type 2 diabetes can be an early sign and cause of pancreatic cancer. The study, published by the Oxford University Press in journal of National Cancer Institute, said that recent-onset diabetes has been associated with around 2.3 fold greater risk of pancreatic cancer as compared to long-standing diabetes. Pancreatic cancer is known to be one of the most fatal kind of cancers. It has only 8% chances of 5-year survival. This is because most cases of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at a later stage. Diabetes is both a risk factor and a cause of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients are usually diagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is comparatively less in other types of cancers. Most diabetic patients with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed with diabetes in less than 3 years before being diagnosed with cancer. People who are undergoing the surgical operation for removal of pancreatic tumors or pancreaticoduodenectomies, get diagnosed with diabetes after the operation.
 

Also read: Take Note Of These Early Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer

As part of the study, ANI reports that the researchers examined the association between recent-onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer among African Americans and Latinos. These two populations are the ones with high risk of diabetes.

Diabetics are found to be at twofold increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The findings of the study are supportive of the hypothesis that recent-onset diabetes in pancreatic cancer is a manifestation of development of pancreatic cancer. The same manifestation has not been found in other kinds of cancer such prostate, colorectal and breast cancer.
 

Also read: Keep Type 2 Diabetes Away With Omega 6 Fats: Top 10 Sources of Omega 6 Fats

Other risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure, high blood triglyceride (fat) levels, having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kgs, having diet high in fats and carbs, high intake of alcohol, living a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, ethnicity where African Americans and Asian Americans are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes as compared to non-Hispanic whites and ageing are common risk factors of type 2 diabetes. People above the age of 45 are at higher risks of developing type 2 diabetes.

Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, does have diabetes as a possible risk factor.

Also read: Is Type 2 Diabetes Reversible?

Risk factors of pancreatic cancer

1. Smoking: Smokers are 2-3 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer as compared to others.

2. Ageing: Risks of developing pancreatic cancer increase with age. People above the age of 45 are at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

3. Ethnicity: Its likewise for pancreatic cancer, where Asian, Hispanic and white people are more prone to risks of pancreatic cancer.

4. Gender: Pancreatic cancer is more common in men than women.

5. Obesity: Eating foods high in fat can increase your chance of developing pancreatic cancer. Obese and overweight men and women are at higher risks. Regular or chronic use of alcohol can increase risk of pancreatic cancer because of recurrent pancreatitis.
 

6. Family history: At times, pancreatic cancer may run in families. This is known as familial pancreatic cancer. People with 2 members of the family who are first-degree relatives, such as a parent, child, or siblings, or at least 3 members of the family have pancreatic cancer.

7. Diabetes: People who have had diabetes for many years are at higher risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Also, suddenly developing diabetes later in adulthood can be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer. However, it has to be kept in mind that not all people who have diabetes develop pancreatic cancer.