A new study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) has found that high insulin levels—commonly seen in people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes—can directly contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer.
The findings, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, are the first to clearly explain why these conditions raise the risk of this deadly disease.
Pancreatic cancer, especially the type called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is aggressive and difficult to treat. It currently has a five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Experts predict that by 2030, PDAC could become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Dr. James Johnson, one of the study’s senior authors, says the research offers important new insights. “With the rise in obesity and Type 2 diabetes, we’re seeing more pancreatic cancer cases.
This study shows how high insulin levels may be driving this trend,” he explains. “Keeping insulin levels in a healthy range through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication is essential.”
The study focused on how insulin affects acinar cells in the pancreas. These cells produce digestive enzymes, which help break down food. But when insulin levels are too high—a condition called hyperinsulinemia—it overstimulates the acinar cells. This leads to inflammation, which causes these cells to turn into precancerous cells.
Dr. Anni Zhang, the study’s first author, says that their team found insulin has a more complex role in the pancreas than previously thought. “Insulin doesn’t just control blood sugar,” Dr. Zhang explains. “It also acts on the pancreas, increasing enzyme production. At high levels, this action causes inflammation and may start the cancer process.”
The researchers hope their findings will lead to better prevention and treatment strategies. One idea is to develop therapies that specifically target insulin receptors in acinar cells to reduce the risk of cancer. Lifestyle changes to lower insulin levels could also become a key part of preventing pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Janel Kopp, co-senior author of the study, believes the research could eventually influence how doctors treat and prevent cancer. “We want this to change clinical practice,” she says. “We need to support people in lowering their insulin levels to reduce cancer risk.”
The UBC team is now working with BC Cancer and the Pancreas Centre BC to run a clinical trial. This trial will test whether better blood sugar and insulin control can help people with pancreatic cancer. Patients will work closely with an endocrinologist to manage their insulin levels.
The findings may also apply to other cancers linked to obesity and diabetes. High insulin levels could be a common factor that increases cancer risk. Dr. Johnson notes that similar connections have been found in breast cancer research. “We hope to explore how excess insulin might play a role in other obesity-related cancers,” he says.
This research provides a new understanding of how insulin affects the body and opens the door to better ways of preventing and treating cancer.
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The study is published in Cell Metabolism.
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