DZD scientists at the Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden characterized a new reversible, tumor-associated diabetes subtype: Cholestasis-induced diabetes. This surgically reversible blood glucose dysregulation diagnosed concomitantly with a (peri-)pancreatic tumor appears secondary to compromised liver function due to tumor compression of the common bile duct and the subsequent increase in insulin resistance.

Individuals undergoing elective partial pancreatic resection were recruited into this trial. They were assigned into three groups: deteriorated, stable or improved glucose homeostasis three months after surgery.
Stability and improvement of glucose homeostasis were associated with tumor resection and postoperative normalization of recently diagnosed glucose dysregulation, preoperatively elevated tumor markers and markers for common bile duct obstruction, acute pancreatitis and liver cell damage.

These data enable the pancreatic surgeon to estimate the postoperative metabolic consequences in the course of partial pancreatic resection and to improve his patient’s information accordingly. Furthermore, “new-onset diabetes” in elderly patients (age >50 years) and temporary surveillance of bile duct, pancreas and liver cell parameters during the first months after the diagnosis of impaired glucose metabolism in the elderly might serve as an effective and practical filter for pancreatic cancer screening.

Original publication:
Ehehalt F, Sturm D, Rösler M, Distler M, Weitz J, Kersting S, Ludwig B, Schwanebeck U, Saeger HD, Solimena M, Grützmann R. Blood Glucose Homeostasis in the Course of Partial Pancreatectomy – Evidence for Surgically Reversible Diabetes Induced by Cholestasis.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134140. PLoS One. August 6, 2015

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