Study: Link between diabetes drugs, pancreatic cancer risk unclear

NEW YORK — A new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the possible link between pancreatic cancer and drugs designed to treat diabetes, and found the association to be unclear.

Researchers conducted a case-control study based on the British-based General Practice Research Database, which included drug prescriptions, diagnostics, hospitalizations and fatality information. The researchers also took into consideration such factors as body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and diabetes duration.

After examining 2,763 case patients that had a recorded diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the researchers found that long-term use of metformin was associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer only in women. Meanwhile, use of sulfonylureas and of insulin were associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, they noted.

Click here for the full study.

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