Compared to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, those with pancreatic cancer associated diabetes (PaCDM) were found to have a lower baseline and postprandial insulin and C-peptide secretion. PaCDM patients exhibited decreased insulin secretion and improved peripheral sensitivity than T2DM patients.

• In this study of 44 participants who underwent mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT), experts examined the differences between the pancreatic and gut endocrine hormones of patients with PaCDM and T2DM.

• PaCDM patients exhibited blunted insulin and C-peptide responses to MMTT than T2DM patients.

• Differences existed in baseline concentrations and AUCs.

• Lower insulin secretion capacity but better insulin sensitivity was detected in PaCDM patients vs T2DM patients.

• In the T2DM group, higher peak concentration and AUC of pancreatic polypeptide were evident compared to healthy controls, but in accordance with PaCDM.

• PaCDM patients had lower baseline glucagon-like peptide-1 levels relative to T2DM patients.

• No between-group differences were observed for glucagon and gastric inhibitory peptide.