Diabetes can lead to major health problems, such as raised blood pressure, kidney disease and neuropathy. Diabetes can either be a risk factor or a symptom of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is more likely to occur in people who have long-standing diabetes than those who do not have diabetes. Therefore, diabetes and pancreatic cancer are intricately linked.
Research suggests that onset of diabetes in people over age of 50 may be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer. A sudden change in the blood sugar levels of diabetics who previously had controlled diabetes may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer- Should You Avoid Eating Sugar?
Not necessarily unless as advised by your dietitian. Cutting all forms of sugar from your diet will not result in the death of cancer cells because cancer cells can’t be starved. Glucose is the basic food source for our cells, including cancer cells. For persons with cancer, metabolic changes can cause the body to break down body fat to make energy for both cancer cells and healthy cells. It may be necessary to avoid foods that are high in simple sugars for individuals who experience problems with watery diarrhoea after eating such food items.
What foods may help control diabetes?
Foods is divided into five main groups:
- Non starchy vegetables like broccoli, carrots, greens and tomatoes.
- Starchy vegetables like green potatoes and corn.
- Fruits
- More than half of your grains should be whole grains
- Including nuts and seeds like Sunflower and Pumpkin seeds are a healthy choice.
Read More: Best Calcium Rich Food for Diabetics
Some superfoods for diabetes are:
- Avocados:Avocados have healthy fat. Avocados have roughly about 20 types of vitamins and minerals. Consuming healthy fats keeps you full longer.
- Walnuts:Walnuts should be your supreme choice as it combines proteins, fiber and healthy fats. Switch your packet of wafers with this and reduce your risk of heart diseases and diabetes.
- Pumpkin Seeds:Pumpkin seeds are high in good fatty acid. Lack of magnesium leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the leading cause of diabetes. Pumpkin seeds can be added to salads as dressing or just consumed as a handful.
- Chia Seeds:Chia seeds have been trending in general for people of all ages at the moment. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, fiber, iron and calcium. 1 ounce chia seeds = 10g fiber. You can sprinkle this on top of your salad or dessert and achieve that extra crunch.
- Ginger:Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the risk of diabetes and long term complications. Ginger is known to reduce fasting blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. You can add ginger to your tea.
- Cinnamon:Cinnamon helps lower blood sugar levels. You can add cinnamon to roasted carrots, or your sweet potatoes. You can even sprinkle some over your tea or milk.
If you have pancreatic cancer and diabetes, consider consulting a registered dietitian/ doctor who can understand both these conditions. Follow all the recommendations given by your health coach in order to manage your diabetic condition in the best possible manner.
