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How is diabetes mellitus associated with pancreatic cancer?

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An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells. — pancreatic cancer The human pancreas is composed of two main types of tissue: acinar cells and islets of Langerhans. The acinar cells produce digestive enzymes, which are secreted into tiny ducts that feed into the pancreatic duct. Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells that secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon directly into a capillary network, which also joins the pancreatic duct.

Diabetes mellitus is identified as a significant, uncontrollable risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer.12

While the exact biological mechanisms linking the two conditions are complex, the association is notable given the pancreas's dual role in the body. The endocrine portion of the pancreas is responsible for secreting insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. Because pancreatic cancer often originates in the exocrine system, the presence of diabetes—a disorder of sugar metabolism—can complicate the clinical picture, as symptoms of pancreatic cancer itself often include problems with sugar metabolism.31

In addition to diabetes, other established risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this malignancy include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, advanced age, and certain genetic predispositions.12