Researchers have found that individuals with recent-onset diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes) accompanied by weight loss had a high risk for developing pancreatic cancer. Older age, previous healthy weight, and no intentional weight loss further elevate this risk. Currently more than 80% of pancreatic cancer patients have advanced, incurable disease, but identifying high risk groups for surveillance can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
The number of adults living with diabetes continues to rise. According to the CDC, 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes in the United States have Type 2. According to large population-based studies, an individual with a family history of diabetes in any first degree family member is at higher risk for developing this disease. The researchers concluded that members of such families could benefit from following evidence-based recommendations for lifestyle behavior and medical surveillance to decrease risk and ensure appropriate medical management.
Sharing your family health history with your primary care provider is important to understanding a complete picture of your health and your risk factors. However, knowing what information is relevant and recording it in a way that is useful to your care provider can seem like an overwhelming task. Family Care Path’s web-based application MyLegacy makes family history collection easy. MyLegacy will provide a report of your health risk profile and a family tree drawing to review with your health care provider. Together you can work on ways to reduce your risk through healthier habits and appropriate routine screenings.