Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer

Specialties Endocrine

Published

I have lots of questions!! Within two weeks of eachother my two brothers (alex 29, and ben 27) both started experiencing the same symptoms; excessive thirst, blurred vision, and increased urination. Alex went in first and got tested and his BS was over 400 and his A1C was 13! He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, put on metformin and referred to a dietition. We tested Ben's BS with Alex's meter one morning and he was running in the high 300s. He felt fine and wasn't experiencing any symptoms at the time. He finally went in and his A1C was 17! He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and put on insulin, novolog and humalog. I just think is it so strange that they were diagnosed so closely together. In our family hx my dad's brother has diabetes (type 2), my dad's cousin has pancreatic cancer, and my dad's dad was diagnosed with diabetes and shortly after died of pancreatic cancer. I've done a little research on the relation between the two and I think my brother's should get checked for pancreatic cancer!?! It's such a scary thing! Anyone know how common it is in younger adults? I am an RN student done in july and I struggle with understanding diabetes so I want help giving alex and ben the best advice! I'm also wondering what the chances are that I might get it too?? I have never had any of the classic symptoms and last semester in clinicals we checked eachother's BS and mine was fine then so does that mean I'm ok? Any advice for me or my brothers would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for listening!!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

My best advice for you and your family is to maintain a releationship with your doctors, see them regularly, and ask them all of their questions. They can sit down with each of you, review you and your family's history with you and help you develop a plan to regularly assess your health and get whatever treatment you may need.

Tell your doctor of your concerns and together, you can establish a plan for yourself -- a health lifestyle to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and periodic assessment of your status. Your brothers should similarly work with their health care team to learn about the management of diabetes (diet, exercise, etc.) and the have a plan for assessing themselves regularly. Perhaps you could even arrange for a group class with a dietician so that you can learn together, support each other, etc.

I know it may seem overwhelming at first ... but take things one step at a time. The first step is to identify your resources who will form your "team" of support -- your primary care provider and any other health care professionals (dietician, diabetes educator, each other, etc.) and sit down and share your concerns. Let them help you to learn about diabetes and develop a plan that will fit your particular situation.

I wish you and your family all the best as you adjust to these diagnoses.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

too many variables to be specific. A "sick" pancreas is not the only cause of hyperglycemia or diabetes, so talking to health care professional is best

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

We are not allowed to provide medical advice here. I encourage you to speak with a medical provider. Hopefully they will be able to help you and guide you.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As mentioned we as per the terms of service of the site cannot offer medical advice. The best thing to do is contact you medical provider and speak to them about it

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