Why obesity, diabetes raise risk of pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified a direct link between high insulin levels common among patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancerThe study published in the journal Cell Metabolism provides the first detailed explanation of why people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of pancreatic cancerThe research demonstrates that excessive insulin levels overstimulate pancreatic acinar cells which produce digestive juices This overstimulation leads to inflammation that converts these cells into precancerous cellsldquoAlongside the rapid increase in both obesity and Type 2 diabetes wersquore seeing an alarming rise in pancreatic cancer ratesrdquo said Dr James Johnson a professor in the department of cellular and physiological sciences at University of British Columbia UBCldquoThese findings help us understand how this is happening and highlights the importance of keeping insulin levels within a healthy range which can be accomplished with diet exercise and in some cases medicationsrdquo he addedThe study focused on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDAC the most prevalent pancreatic cancer and one that is highly aggressive with a fiveyear survival rate of less than 10 per cent The incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the riseBy 2030 PDAC is expected to become the second leading cause of cancerrelated deathsWhile obesity and Type 2 diabetes had previously been established as risk factors for pancreatic cancer the exact mechanisms by which this occurred remained unclear This new study sheds light on the role of insulin and its receptors in this processldquoWe found that hyperinsulinemia directly contributes to pancreatic cancer initiation through insulin receptors in acinar cellsrdquo said Dr Anni Zhang from UBCldquoThe mechanism involves increased production of digestive enzymes leading to heightened pancreatic inflammationrdquoWhile insulin is widely recognised for its role in regulating blood sugar levels the study underscores its importance in pancreatic acinar cellsThe findings show that insulin supports the physiological function of these cells in producing digestive enzymes that break down fatrich foods but at high levels its increased action can inadvertently foster pancreatic inflammation and the development of precancerous cellsThe study may pave the way for new cancerprevention strategies and even therapeutic approaches that target insulin receptors in acinar cellsThe researchers noted that the findings may have implications for other cancers associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes where elevated insulin levels may also play a contributing role in disease initiationThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever