Diabetes Week 2026: Challenging Diabetes Stigma While Raising Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

This Diabetes Week, we're joining the call to Strike Out Stigma.

Too many people living with diabetes face judgement, assumptions and blame. Whether it's comments about lifestyle choices, misconceptions about the causes of diabetes, or unfair stereotypes, diabetes stigma can have a real impact on people's wellbeing and confidence.

At Pancreatic Cancer Action, we know that diabetes is a complex condition with many different causes. That's why this Diabetes Week, we want to help change the conversation by raising awareness of an important fact that many people don't know:

Sometimes, diabetes can be linked to pancreatic cancer.

Nobody Chooses Diabetes

One of the key messages of Diabetes Week 2026 is that nobody chooses diabetes.

While lifestyle factors can play a role in some cases, diabetes develops for many different reasons, including genetics, autoimmune conditions, other health conditions and, in some cases, pancreatic cancer.

Understanding this is important because stigma and misconceptions can prevent people from seeking support, asking questions or recognising when something may need further investigation.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer

Research has shown a strong association between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, although scientists are still working to fully understand the relationship.

One of the most significant findings is that new-onset diabetes, particularly when it develops unexpectedly and is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, can sometimes be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer.

This does not mean that most people diagnosed with diabetes will develop pancreatic cancer. The vast majority will not.

However, increasing awareness of this link can help healthcare professionals identify those who may benefit from further investigation and support earlier diagnosis.

Research That Is Changing Lives

Pancreatic Cancer Action has proudly supported groundbreaking research in partnership with the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford, conducting the largest study to date investigating the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

The research identified several early warning signs, including:

• New-onset diabetes
• Raised blood sugar levels
• Unexplained weight loss

Importantly, these symptoms can appear up to three years before a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

This research has helped create new opportunities to identify people who may be at risk earlier, giving them the best possible chance of receiving treatment sooner.

Influencing National Guidance

The findings from this research contributed to an important update to NICE Guideline NG17, which supports healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.

The guidance now advises healthcare professionals to consider pancreatic cancer in people aged 60 and over who present with both new-onset diabetes and unexplained weight loss.

As a result, eligible patients can be referred for urgent diagnostic investigations, helping to identify pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective.

Diabetes After Pancreatic Cancer

It's also important to recognise that diabetes can develop because of pancreatic cancer treatment.

Surgery offers the only potential cure for pancreatic cancer, but when part or all of the pancreas is removed, many patients go on to develop Type 3c diabetes because the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin.

For these individuals, diabetes is a direct consequence of cancer and its treatment, highlighting once again why assumptions and stigma have no place in conversations about diabetes.

Every person's experience is different, and everyone deserves understanding and support.

Why Awareness Matters

By challenging stigma and improving understanding of diabetes, we can help create an environment where people feel supported rather than judged.

At the same time, raising awareness of the relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer can help improve early diagnosis and save lives.

This Diabetes Week, we're encouraging people to:

• Challenge misconceptions about diabetes
• Avoid blame and judgement
• Learn about the different causes of diabetes
• Understand the signs and symptoms that may require further investigation
• Support those living with diabetes, whatever their diagnosis

Together, we can strike out stigma and ensure more people receive the understanding, support and healthcare they need.