Low Hormone Levels May Increase Pancreatic Cancer
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a deficiency of a fat cell hormone known as adiponectin may heighten the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
What is Adiponectin?
Adiponectin is a hormone in your blood stream and is used to decrease inflammation and assists with the bodies sensitivity to insulin. If you are deficient in the fat cell hormone, you are at increased risk for many diseases. The study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from cancer pancreatic cancer patients as compared to health patients and found a correlations between low adiponectin levels and pancreatic cancer development. Scientists know that there is a link between obesity, insulin resistance and pancreatic cancer risk, but this new study shows additional correlation with the hormone adiponectin and the increased probability of developing pancreatic cancer. Function of the Pancreas The information provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), states that the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach, is responsible for making enzymes that allow the body to absorb fatty foods. The pancreas produces two hormones, insulin and glucagon, that assist with regulating blood sugar levels. Although studies do not know if diabetes causes pancreatic cancer, it is more commonly diagnosed amongst those who have diabetes.Symptoms of Pancreas Issues
Be on the lookout for the following symptoms that may be related to issues of the pancreas:- Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include
- dark-colored urine and feces,
- fatigue,
- jaundice,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- a lack of appetite and
- pain in the abdomen.