Additionally, people with diabetes are at higher risk for pancreatitis.
Learn about the connection between these conditions and how you could reduce your risk for them.
Insulinandglucagonare two hormones made in and released by the pancreas that regulate blood glucose levels.
PixelsEffect/Getty Images
Conversely, glucagon is sent to the liver to promote the breakdown ofglycogento glucose (called glycogenolysis).
This helps raise blood glucose levels when they are too low, a condition known ashypoglycemia.
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitisis inflammation of thepancreas.
It can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lasting many years.
The main symptom of pancreatitis is a pain in your upper abdomen that may spread to your back.
However, the pain may be felt in different ways depending on if you have acute or chronic pancreatitis.
Common causes of pancreatitis includegallstones,high triglyceride levels, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
Both insulin and glucagon production and secretion are decreased in pancreatogenic diabetes.
Additionally, there is often a higher-than-expected insulin demand.
Many pancreatogenic diabetes cases result from chronic pancreatitis.
Damage to the pancreas from inflammation interrupts its complex roles, including nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization.
This results in a lack of insulin and glucagon production and other hormones essential for digestion.
Decreased insulin secretion is ultimately responsible for the development of pancreatogenic diabetes.
Risk increased with age and was also higher in males compared to females.
Another study looked into the pathophysiology behind why diabetes increases the risk for acute pancreatitis.
Diabetes Medications
Research suggests that certain diabetes medications may increase the risk of pancreatitis.
However, several studies have provided mixed results.
Drug-induced acute pancreatitis is rare, occurring in about 0.5% of cases.
Nevertheless, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects of medications before taking them.
Older case reports suggested that exenatide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) increased the risk for pancreatitis.
Further and more concrete studies found that exenatide does not increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Another diabetes medication called sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, is also thought to increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Older research reported that sitagliptin was not associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis.
However, newer research and preclinical data show an association or a small increased risk.
Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and a swollen or tender abdomen.
The pain can become worse and more constant over time or after eating.
However, the pain may also fade as the condition worsens.
Other symptoms include diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; bulkier, foul-smelling stools, and weight loss.
Common ways to decrease your risk of developing both conditions include maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.
Many people with diabetes can successfully manage the condition without any additional health complications.
Similarly, having pancreatitis doesnt mean you will develop diabetes.
Your pancreas plays an essential role in blood glucose regulation in your body.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for pancreatitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of pancreatitis.
Richardson A, Park WG.Acute pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus: a review.Korean J Intern Med.
2021;36(1):15-24. doi:10.3904/kjim.2020.505
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.2.
Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes:Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes2022.Diabetes Care.
2022;45(Supplement_1):S17-S38.
doi:10.2337/dc22-S002
Makuc J.Management of pancreatogenic diabetes: challenges and solutions.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes.
2012;7(12):e53224.
2020;12(3):e7389.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for pancreatitis.
