by A new study conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine has revealed a direct correlation between high insulin levels – a common occurrence among individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes – and pancreatic cancer. Published in Cell Metabolism, the study provides in-depth insight into why people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The research demonstrates that elevated insulin levels overstimulate pancreatic acinar cells responsible for producing digestive juices, leading to inflammation and the conversion of these cells into precancerous cells.
Dr. James Johnson, co-senior author of the study, emphasized the concerning rise in both obesity and Type 2 diabetes rates, along with the simultaneous increase in pancreatic cancer cases. The research findings shed light on the underlying factors contributing to this trend and highlight the importance of maintaining healthy insulin levels through proper diet, exercise, and, in some cases, medication.
The study primarily focused on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer with a low five-year survival rate. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the rise, with PDAC expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030.
While obesity and Type 2 diabetes were already established as risk factors for pancreatic cancer, the exact mechanisms connecting these conditions remained unclear. The recent study reveals the pivotal role of insulin and its receptors in this process. Dr. Anni Zhang, the first author of the study, explains that hyperinsulinemia directly contributes to the initiation of pancreatic cancer through insulin receptors in acinar cells. This mechanism involves an increase in the production of digestive enzymes, leading to heightened pancreatic inflammation.
Despite insulin’s well-known role in regulating blood sugar levels, the study emphasizes its significance in pancreatic acinar cells. Insulin supports the normal functioning of these cells by enabling the production of digestive enzymes that break down fat-rich foods. However, excessive levels of insulin can inadvertently result in pancreatic inflammation and the formation of precancerous cells.
These findings have the potential to pave the way for new strategies in cancer prevention and even therapeutic approaches targeting insulin receptors in acinar cells. The researchers hope that this work will influence clinical practices and advance lifestyle interventions to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer in the general population. Furthermore, these findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies that modulate insulin receptors, thereby preventing or slowing the progression of pancreatic cancer.
In collaboration with researchers from BC Cancer and the Pancreas Centre BC, the team has initiated a clinical trial aimed at helping patients diagnosed with PDAC control their blood sugar and circulating insulin levels under the guidance of an endocrinologist.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the link between high insulin levels, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The findings have the potential to significantly impact cancer prevention strategies and the development of targeted interventions for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
