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Espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/p>\n The number of people in the United States who have diabetes is rising,<\/a> and many people don\u2019t even know they have the disease. Untreated and uncontrolled diabetes<\/a> can cause complications for your heart<\/a>, kidneys, eyes and many other organs.<\/p>\n Diabetes may also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t live without your <\/a>pancreas. It\u2019s an essential organ that releases digestive enzymes so your body can break down the food you eat. It also releases insulin and glucagon, which control how much glucose (sugar) you have in your blood.<\/p>\n When you don\u2019t have enough insulin or your body can\u2019t use the insulin you have properly, your blood sugar levels rise, causing diabetes.<\/p>\n Types of diabetes<\/strong><\/p>\n There are three types of diabetes that most people have heard of, and a fourth one that is less commonly known:<\/p>\n Pancreatic cancer affects the cells in your pancreas, most often in the ducts. It\u2019s the third leading cause of death by cancer because it\u2019s usually diagnosed in the late stages when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.<\/p>\n Early stages of pancreatic cancer don\u2019t have signs or symptoms<\/a> but sometimes a healthcare provider will find it by accident during a scan of or around the pancreas. When a disease is found by accident, it\u2019s called an incidental finding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When it comes to diabetes and pancreatic cancer, researchers face the age-old chicken-and-egg question. They aren\u2019t sure if diabetes can cause pancreatic cancer or if pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes. Or both.<\/p>\n Studies have found up to 2 out of 3 people had diabetes or prediabetes<\/a> before they were diagnosed. These findings could mean diabetes has a role in pancreatic cancer development. One theory is that the constant high blood sugar levels and long-term inflammation in the pancreas in people with Type 2 diabetes increases the risk for pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n But could it be the other way around? Some people suddenly develop diabetes without having any risk factors for the disease. Not long after, especially if they\u2019re over the age of 50, they might be diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. In this case, diabetes could be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Risk factors for diabetes-linked pancreatic cancer include:<\/p>\n Since many people with pancreatic cancer have diabetes or prediabetes before their diagnosis, the first step to reduce your risk of cancer is to manage your blood sugar levels as well as possible. This means, in addition to taking your medication, exercising and eating a healthy diet to minimize blood sugar swings.<\/p>\n Other steps you can take to reduce your risk for pancreatic cancer include:<\/p>\n You may not be able to completely prevent developing pancreatic cancer if you have diabetes, but you can be vigilant and try to lower your risk. Check in with your healthcare provider (HCP) if you suddenly have trouble keeping your blood sugar within range. And if you\u2019re over 50 and newly diagnosed with diabetes, consider asking your HCP for screening for pancreatic cancer. The earlier pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances for successful treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This educational resource was created with support fro<\/em><\/em>m Merck.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\nWhat does your pancreas do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nWhat is pancreatic cancer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nHow does diabetes relate to pancreatic cancer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nWho is at risk for diabetes-linked pancreatic cancer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nHow can you reduce your risk of diabetes-related pancreatic cancer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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