[Pancreatic carcinoma and diabetes mellitus]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between Pancreatic Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which represents a higher risk of many human tumors. In patients with Pancreatic Cancer, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus occurs approximately in 30%.

Fifty patients with newly diagnosed Pancreatic Cancer were analysed in a retrospective pilot study where the staging of the tumor and the case history of the patients were studied. This data were compared in three groups of patients: the control group without diabetes, one with Impaired Fasting Glucose, and patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and that of Impaired Fasting Glucose were also followed in patients with Pancreatic Cancer and Colorectal Cancer. The retrospective study confirmed the late diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer. The tumors were actually in clinical stage IV in 50% of the patients. Diabetes Mellitus was present in 34% of patients with Pancreatic Cancer; in 44% of these patients the Impaired Fasting Glucose was also diagnosed while the normal glucose status was seen in 22% of patients. Incidence of Impaired Fasting Glucose and that of Diabetes Mellitus in groups of patients with Pancreatic Cancer and Colorectal Cancer was studied. Diabetes Mellitus was present in 12.5% patients with Colorectal Cancer.

In spite of modern diagnostic methods, the early diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer remains a great problem. Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in patients with Pancreatic Cancer was significantly higher in comparison with the Colorectal Cancer group (P0.01). A significant number of patients with Impaired Fasting Glucose were also present in the group with Pancreatic Cancer. Analysis of the relationships between Pancreatic Cancer and Impaired Glucose Metabolism could contribute to the early diagnosis of this serious malignant disease.