Medicine:Type 3c (Pancreatogenic) Diabetes

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Type 3c (Pancreatogenic) Diabetes
This is an illustration of the pancreas and its main locations for exocrine and endocrine functions.
A model of the pancreas and its main locations for exocrine and endocrine functions.

Type 3c diabetes (also known as Pancreatogenic diabetes) is a form of diabetes that is being researched. It involves the exocrine and digestive functions of the pancreas. Out of all the diabetics, 5–10% may actually be type 3c diabetics. In 80% of people who suffer from this condition, chronic pancreatitis seems to be the cause.[1]

Presentation

Complications

The same complications that occur for other types of diabetics (type 1 and type 2) may occur for type 3c diabetics. These include retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Patients with this condition are advised to follow the same risk-reduction guidelines as the other diabetics do and keep blood sugars as normal as possible to minimize any complications.

Cause

There are multiple causes. Some of which identified are:

  • Pancreatic disease
  • Pancreatic resection
  • Chronic pancreatitis (caused by exocrine insufficiency, maldigestion, and malnutrition).[2]
  • Lacking genes in the E2F group.[3]

More possible causes are being researched.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria for T3cDM
Major criteria (all must be fulfilled):
  • Presence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (according to monoclonal fecal elastase-1 or direct function tests.
  • Pathological pancreatic imaging: (by endoscopic ultrasound, MRI, or CT)
  • Absence of T1DM-associated autoimmune markers (autoantibodies).
Minor Criteria:
  • Impaired β-cell function
  • No excessive insulin resistance (e.g. as measured by HOMA-IR).
  • Impaired incretin (e.g. GIP) or pancreatic polypeptide secretion.
  • Low serum levels of lipid (fat) soluble vitamins (A, D, E, or K).

Management

The condition can be managed by many factors.

Lifestyle Modifications

Avoiding toxins to the body such as alcohol and smoking reduce pancreatic inflammation. Also, eating a diet rich in fiber and consuming normal amounts of fat may help. Oral pancreatic enzymes may be given. Maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D can also reduce symptoms and help manage the disease better.

Medications

Medications such as insulin may be given in order to lower blood sugars. For not so high blood sugars, oral treatments in the form of a pill or capsule may be given.

See also

References