ACUTE DIABETES-MELLITUS AS THE 1ST MANIFE STATION OF CANCER OF THE PANCREAS - 2 CASE-REPORTS

Two cases of cancer of the pancreas with acute diabetes mellitus as th e first manifestation are reported. The relationships between these tw o diseases are discussed. Epidemiological studies suggest that diabete s mellitus is a nonnegligible risk factor for cancer of the pancreas. Conversely, sudden onset of diabetes mellitus in a middle-aged adult c an be the first manifestation of pancreatic cancer, Patients older tha n 50 years should be evaluated for a pancreatic tumor if they have oth er risk factors including heavy smoking, a family history for pancreat ic cancer, a history of abdominal pain, diarrhea, unexplained evidence of inflammation, or persistent weight loss despite adequate glycemic control.