Glucose A1C levels after distal pancreatectomy

Posted by lisn @lisn, 1 day ago

I have a question regarding glucose/A1C. My husband had a distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy 2 years ago due to stage 2b adenocarcinoma. Prior to his diagnosis and surgery, his levels were always normal. Since the surgery, his A1C and glucose levels have been high and his oncologist, primary care doctor and nutritionist have all indicated that this is not a result of the surgery, but rather his age. However, it seems so strange that this just happened since the surgery and since the pancreas affects glucose, how could this not be a result of the surgery? Does anyone have any similar situation or any thoughts on this? Thank you in advance.

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stevm | @stevm | 5 hours ago

I had the same procedure in May 2023 for a stage 3 adenocarcinoma diagnosis. My A1c was borderline prior to surgery (5.6). I underwent 12 rounds of Fulfirinox over 6 months. During the six months of chemo my glucose and A1c levels increased slightly. By the time I completed treatment my A1c rose to 5.8. Trying to find food that was tolerable during treatment was never easy. I tended to find sweets most satisfying which probably led to the higher levels. I always found comfort eating Worthers caramels!. Since completing treatment I have tried to be more careful with my diet cutting back on sweets. My most recent A1c level was 5.5. Routine exercise is also important. I am 72 years old and my doc also indicated that the 5.8 level was not unusual for my age but I was determined to try and bring it down. More importantly, hopefully your husbands cancer is under control.

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