Blood Glucose Levels Predict Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and the incidences of both pancreatic cancer and type 2 diabetes are increasing. In this meta-analysis of nine prospective observational studies, researchers evaluated the dose-response association between blood glucose concentration and risk for pancreatic cancer.

Across the entire range of blood glucose concentrations, a strong linear dose–response relation was noted between fasting blood glucose concentration and incidence of pancreatic cancer: Every 10.1 mg/dL increment in fasting glucose was associated with a 14% increase in incidence of pancreatic cancer. Similar results were obtained when only fasting blood glucose concentrations in the prediabetes range were considered.