BETA-CELL FUNCTION IN PANCREATIC ADENOCARCINOMA

To evaluate beta-cell function in patients with pancreatic cancer, the glucagon stimulation test was performed in seven patients with pancre atic adenocarcinoma, seven patients with type I diabetes mellitus, sev en patients with type II diabetes mellitus, and in seven healthy contr ols. C-peptide serum levels were determined before and after a 1-mg i. v. glucagon injection. Basal C-peptide values were normal or slightly increased in pancreatic cancer and type II diabetic patients and low i n type I diabetic patients. Following glucagon stimulation, no signifi cant increase was observed in C-peptide values of type I diabetics and pancreatic cancer patients, whereas significant increases occurred in controls and type II diabetics. It is concluded that the altered beta -cell function found in pancreatic cancer patients may lead to hypergl ycemia, which is frequently associated with this tumor type.