e16418 Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a potent risk factor for pancreatic cancer, which remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States (US). In type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and elevated circulating insulin levels fuel tumor growth. Despite development in preventive measures and strategies, a substantial proportion of U.S. adults is diabetic. These conditions contribute to pancreatic carcinoma. This study aims to evaluate mortality trends associated with pancreatic carcinoma in type 2 diabetic patients in the United States (US) and to identify the affected population. Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the CDC WONDER database, which provides detailed information on causes of death across the United States. Mortality data related to pancreatic carcinoma in individuals with type 2 diabetes were analysed. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were estimated, and mortality trends were analysed using JoinPoint regression to determine the annual percent change (APC). Results: From 2000 to 2023, a total of 26007 deaths were linked to pancreatic carcinoma with type 2 diabetes as a contributing factor. The AAMRs increased from 2.39 in 2000 to 7.97 in 2023, showing a 3.3-fold increase in mortality. A pronounced rise was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the AAMR reaching 6.77 and an APC of 8.07. Males experienced higher mortality rates compared to females (9.9 vs 6.37 in 2023). Among racial and ethnic groups, Non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African American individuals had the highest average AAMR, followed by Hispanic individuals, NH White individuals and lastly NH other populations. Geographically, the West, among census regions, had the highest AAMR, and rural areas had higher mortality rates compared to urban areas. Conclusions: This study reveals an alarming 3.3-fold increase in type 2 diabetes-related pancreatic cancer mortality in the United States from 2000 to 2023. Significant disparities were observed, with higher mortality rates among males, Non-Hispanic Black or African American populations, West residents, and rural communities. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies, enhanced diabetes awareness and equitable access to cancer screening and preventive care to reduce rising pancreatic cancer mortality.
Saeed et al. (Thu,) studied this question.