Sudden-onset diabetes after 50: When to look beyond blood sugar for pancreatic cancer signs

New Delhi: New-onset diabetes after age 50 is a common clinical scenario and can often be mistaken for usual diabetes. However, in certain conditions, it can be a sign of something more ominous and requires early assessment and clinical workup.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and often presents at very advanced stages because sometimes the symptoms are not present until late or, if present, they can be confused with other scenarios or other clinical conditions and often people don’t end up taking appropriate measures.

Warning signs of pancreatic cancer

Type 2 diabetes can be one of the presentations of pancreatic cancer. So if someone has certain signs like unexplained weight loss or weight loss out of proportion to sugar levels, persistent abdominal pain which often radiates to the back, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or recurrent digestive problems, these can be signs of pancreatic cancer and need immediate assessment. It’s also important to identify who the people at risk are.

Who is at risk

The people at risk include anyone who has a history of chronic pancreatitis, a family history of pancreatic cancer, and even those with a smoking history, a history of obesity or excess weight and people with certain pancreatic cancers.

When to see a doctor

So if you notice any of these signs and also develop diabetes, we should not assume and attribute these symptoms only to diabetes and should seek an opinion from a doctor so that timely screening can be done. If we catch the disease early, timely treatment can help improve survival rates.

(By Dr Anshu Alok, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Smart Hospital, Delhi)

Disclaimer: This article is based on the research and inputs shared by the doctor mentioned above and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings should not be considered medical advice or used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.