People with type 2 diabetes usually have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer compared with people without type 2 diabetes. But that risk may depend on how long you’ve had type 2 diabetes.

People who have had type 2 diabetes for a long time may have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

There’s also a link between new-onset type 2 diabetes (those who received a recent diagnosis) and pancreatic cancer. A recent diagnosis, particularly among older adults (ages 65 years and older), may relate to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. However, some researchers think that pancreatic cancer may cause new-onset type 2 diabetes rather than the other way around.

The risk of pancreatic cancer is generally higher among people who have had type 2 diabetes for many years, particularly if the condition was not managed that well with diabetes medications.

This may be due to increased inflammation and cellular damage in the body. Cellular damage can occur due to high levels of blood glucose and increased insulin resistance. However, research is still ongoing to better understand the connection.

Managing type 2 diabetes with medication may help lower the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is related to diabetes. About 80% of people with pancreatic cancer receive a diagnosis of hyperglycemia or diabetes.

Researchers are still trying to find the connection between new-onset type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Diabetes may be a symptom of pancreatic cancer rather than a factor causing it.

Pancreatic cancer causes less than 1% of new-onset diabetes cases. It is more common in people who received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis after the age of 50 years. Other factors also play a part, which may include:

  • family history of pancreatic cancer
  • pancreatitis
  • gallstones
  • weight loss
  • high/rapidly increasing glycemia, which leads to more insulin use

Doctors usually diagnose pancreatic cancer within 1 to 2 years of a new-onset type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Other factors can contribute to pancreatic cancer risk. These can include:

You can reduce some risk factors for pancreatic cancer by managing your type 2 diabetes.

You can also ask a doctor for help to quit smoking (if you smoke) and about obesity treatment.