Pancreatic Cancer Day: Experts warn excess sugar, chronic stress are damaging pancreatic health

Hyderabad: On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, doctors and researchers are drawing attention to a lesser-discussed health crisis: the combined impact of excess sugar consumption and chronic stress on pancreatic health.

While pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive malignancies with low survival rates due to late detection, experts note that the daily pressures affecting the pancreas begin much earlier and far more subtly.

Hospitals across metro cities report a steady rise in lifestyle-related pancreatic dysfunction among young adults, driven by changing diets, work patterns and stress-related hormonal responses.

A sensitive organ working overtime

The pancreas performs two essential functions: producing enzymes for digestion and regulating blood sugar through hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

According to endocrinologists, this dual role makes it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in both diet and emotional stress.

“People usually associate the pancreas with diabetes or severe illnesses like pancreatitis,” said Dr Ritika Suresh, a Senior Endocrinologist, speaking to NewsMeter.

“But long before disease sets in, the organ undergoes continuous stress from irregular eating patterns, excess sugar and elevated cortisol levels.”

Sugar overload and insulin pressure cycle

Urban dietary patterns, low in fibre and high in added sugars, are leading to what doctors describe as a metabolic overload.

- Sugary beverages, a key driver: Recent metabolic studies in India show that sugary drinks cause significantly sharper spikes in blood glucose compared to solid foods. This forces the pancreas to release larger amounts of insulin in a short time.

“Liquid calories hit the bloodstream at high speed,” explained Dr Malini Nair, nutrition researcher. “The pancreas is pushed into a sudden insulin surge, which over the years contributes to insulin resistance.”

From packaged juices to caffeinated beverages loaded with syrups, doctors warn that these daily consumables now constitute a major portion of hidden sugar intake.

- Chronic Stress: The overlooked pancreatic burden: While the relationship between sugar and pancreatic load is widely understood, mental stress is emerging as an equally significant factor.

How stress raises blood sugar

When a person is under stress, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline.

These hormones elevate blood sugar as part of a survival response. If stress becomes chronic, blood sugar levels remain consistently high, forcing the pancreas to release insulin throughout the day, even when the person hasn’t eaten.

“Prolonged stress mimics the effect of a high-sugar diet,” said Dr Samaira Iqbal, Consultant Psychiatrist.

“Pancreatic function is directly affected because the hormonal response to emotional stress is the same as physical threat.”

Impact on eating behaviour

Stress also influences food-related behaviours: irregular meal timing, late-night snacking, cravings for sweets and excessive caffeine consumption.

Each of these habits increases pancreatic workload, leading to early metabolic changes.

A growing concern among young professionals

Doctors in several metro hospitals report cases of prediabetes, enzyme imbalance, and early metabolic syndrome among individuals in their 20s and early 30s.

This trend, they say, reflects both dietary patterns and sustained stress associated with modern work culture.

“We are increasingly seeing patients who appear outwardly healthy but exhibit early pancreatic strain,” noted Dr Suresh. “This age shift is concerning and indicates that lifestyle stressors are now strong metabolic disruptors.”

Digestive changes and enzyme fluctuations

Beyond blood sugar regulation, the pancreas produces enzymes required for digestion. Chronic stress can disrupt digestive function by slowing gut motility and altering enzyme secretion.

Dr Siddharth Reddy, Gastroenterologist, said, “Patients with persistent stress often present with symptoms resembling IBS, bloating, poor digestion, and heaviness. On further evaluation, pancreatic enzyme levels are sometimes fluctuating due to the stress response.”

The sugar-stress-pancreas feedback loop

Experts describe a reinforcing cycle that places long-term pressure on the pancreas:

1. Stress elevates cortisol.

2. Cortisol raises blood sugar.

3. The pancreas produces more insulin.

4. Insulin dips lead to increased hunger and cravings.

5. Frequent snacking and sugary foods increase glucose spikes.

6. Cycle repeats.

This loop increases the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory conditions that can evolve into more severe pancreatic diseases over time.

Rising awareness amid pancreatic cancer concerns

While pancreatic cancer has multiple risk factors, genetic, lifestyle, age, doctors emphasise that reducing chronic inflammation and improving metabolic health are crucial preventive steps.

Oncologists also point out that symptoms of pancreatic distress often go unnoticed.

Mild upper-abdominal discomfort, digestive changes, unexplained fatigue or sudden shifts in appetite are frequently ignored or attributed to routine stress.

Preventive measures backed by evidence

Specialists suggest a set of measures to reduce long-term pancreatic stress:

1. Balanced Glycemic Diet

• Reduce refined sugars.

• Increase fibre intake.

• Avoid sugary beverages.

• Opt for balanced meals combining carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

2. Stress-management techniques

Doctors now advise structured stress reduction as part of preventive healthcare:

• Breathwork and meditation

• Regular physical activity

• Digital downtime after working hours

• Adequate sleep schedules

“Stress management needs to be viewed as a medical intervention, not just a lifestyle choice,” Dr Iqbal added.

Regular screening

Early detection tools include:

• Fasting blood sugar

• HbA1c

• Fasting insulin

• Enzyme tests (amylase and lipase) for digestive symptoms

As urbanisation accelerates and dietary habits evolve, medical professionals warn that pancreatic disorders are likely to rise unless preventive measures are prioritised.

On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, experts say the conversation must move beyond cancer awareness to a broader understanding of how everyday lifestyle choices influence pancreatic health.