Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancer types, with a survival rate of just 10% after five years of diagnosis. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, leaving few treatment options.

This is why it’s important to understand the risk factors associated with this cancer, and one risk factor that has been gaining attention lately is high insulin levels.

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its primary role is to regulate blood sugar levels.

After you eat, your blood sugar levels rise, and insulin is released by the pancreas to help move glucose from the blood into your cells where it can be used for energy. Insulin also plays a role in fat storage and protein synthesis, among other functions.

How does insulin affect cancer risk?

It’s been known for some time that insulin plays a role in cancer development, as cancer cells often require high amounts of glucose and insulin to grow.

Insulin also has growth-promoting effects on some cancer cells, and as a result, high insulin levels have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

The link between insulin resistance and pancreatic cancer

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin, and as a result, blood sugar levels rise and the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate.

Insulin resistance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and several studies have linked type 2 diabetes with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. One study conducted in 2015 found that individuals with insulin resistance had a 2.2-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those without insulin resistance.

High insulin levels and the link to obesity

Obesity is another risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and it’s been suggested that this may be due to the high levels of insulin that are often present in obese individuals.

Obese individuals often have insulin resistance, which leads to higher insulin levels as the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. High insulin levels can promote the growth of cancer cells, and in the case of pancreatic cancer, this could contribute to the development of tumors.

A study published in 2011 found that overweight individuals with high levels of insulin had a 2.3-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those with lower insulin levels.

How to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer

While some risk factors for pancreatic cancer, such as age and family history, are out of your control, there are several lifestyle factors that can help reduce your risk. Here are some tips:.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

As we’ve discussed, obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight is important. If you’re overweight, losing weight can help reduce your risk.

2. Exercise regularly

Exercise has been shown to decrease insulin resistance and can help maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

3. Follow a healthy diet

A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. Avoid processed and high-fat foods, which can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.

5. Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, so it’s important to limit your intake.

The bottom line

High insulin levels have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and you can take steps to reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

If you have concerns about your risk of pancreatic cancer, talk to your healthcare provider.