6. New-Onset Diabetes
The sudden development of diabetes, particularly in an individual over the age of 50 with no family history of the disease and a healthy body weight, should be considered a potential warning sign for pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. A cancerous tumor can damage or destroy the insulin-producing islet cells within the pancreas. When these cells are compromised, the body cannot produce enough insulin to manage glucose effectively, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and the onset of diabetes. In some cases, individuals who already have well-controlled diabetes may find that their blood sugar levels suddenly become erratic and difficult to manage, which can also be an indication of an underlying pancreatic issue.