Anna Broderdorf

Investigating the Causative Relationship Between Hyperinsulinemia and Pancreatic Cancer

Started Mar. 11, 2025

Abstract or project description

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which accounts for approximately 90% of pancreatic cancer cases, is one of the most lethal cancers globally with a five-year survival rate of roughly 10% (“Pancreatic Cancer”; Cai et al.). The poor prognosis of PDAC combined with the projected 31.45% increase in incidence numbers from 1990 to 2040 convey the threat this condition poses (Hesami et al.). This review investigates a lesser known risk factor of PDAC, hyperinsulinemia, and explores recent scientific literature to establish a sequence of events and mechanisms connecting both conditions. Hyperinsulinemia is defined as the presence of elevated insulin levels in the body, as a result of insulin resistance (“Hyperinsulinemia”). The findings of this review contribute to the conclusion that hyperinsulinemia can promote the overproduction and early activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes, prompting acute pancreatitis which can become chronic. Chronic pancreatitis holds the pancreas in a perpetually inflamed state, promoting an environment that facilitates the development of PDAC. The intent of this review is to inform the general populace of the risks associated with hyperinsulinemia in relation to PDAC and to advise clinicians to screen patients with hyperinsulinemia for pancreatic degeneration.