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Diabetes affects millions of people throughout the United States, although only a small percentage – mostly those who are diagnosed with new-onset diabetes – develop pancreatic cancer. It’s important for all of those affected to know how food plays a role in the management of the disease.
We asked Jeannine Mills, oncology dietitian at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and member of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), about diabetes as it relates to pancreatic cancer.
“There may be times when appetite is quite low, or you may experience early fullness – both contributing to lower food intake,” said Mills. “When this is the case, we are more apt to recommend that you relax your diet such as not limiting or reducing carbohydrates.”
“If foods that may be higher in refined sugar appeal to you, consider consuming these types of foods with a meal, versus alone, to offset the effects of increasing blood sugars. Realize too, there are other factors that can contribute to elevated blood sugars in the setting of pancreatic cancer and diabetes to include impact of the disease, treatment, medications, fatigue and pain.”
With the right planning and preparation, there are ways to manage diabetes while still enjoying favorite meals and recipes. Here are some diabetic-friendly tips and food options that will help meet the special nutritional needs of someone who has diabetes, with or without pancreatic cancer:
- Choose foods with complex carbohydrates, like starches and fibers.
- Eat plant-based foods with plenty of fiber.
- Eat high-protein foods and small amounts of healthy fat with each meal.
- Include foods from each food group with meals, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, protein and dairy if tolerable.
- Eat meals and snacks at around the same time each day.
And here are some of our favorite cookbooks and resources tailored to patients with diabetes that feature different cuisines and traditions:
- Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, by Constance Brown-Riggs and Jessica Jones, includes recipes from 11 cuisines as well as practical tips and guidance.
- The Diabetes Food Hub, from the American Diabetes Association, offers recipes, a healthy eating blog, cooking classes and more.
Before modifying or incorporating any new foods into your diet, we strongly recommend that you speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian. PanCAN Patient Services Case Managers can help you find a registered dietitian with the expertise you need.
