Carbohydrates metabolism disorders and chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) predisposes to disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism such as: secondary diabetes, diabetes type 2, an impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and to an impaired fasting glucose (IFG). The aim of the study is analysis of the carbohydrates metabolism disorders associated with CP.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. An analysis of clinical data was conducted in 200 next patients with CP hospitalized in Department and Clinic of Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases in years 1999–2003. The percentage frequency of disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism and its types were measured. As a normal range of fasting glucose we accepted levels below 5,6 mmol/l (100 mg/dl), according to the latest recommendations of American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Polish Diabetological Association (PDA). The most common causes of CP were analised, in those subgroups frequency of disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism and its types were measured.
RESULTS. The mean age of patients was 50,11 ± 13,27 years (20–82). An impaired carbohydrate metabolism coexisted with CP in 146 (73%) patient, the most frequent type of diabetes was secondary diabetes — 81 (40,5%) patients IFG in 29 (14,5%) patients was diagnosed. The most common cause of CP alcohol abuse — in 120 (60%) cases, in this subgroup the most frequent type of diabetes was secondary diabetes — in 54 (45%) patients. 71,1% of patients needed an insulin treatment. An average 24-hours blood glucose level was 8,8 ± 2,95 mmol/l.
CONCLUSIONS. 3/4 of the patients with a chronic pancreatitis are diagnosed with carbohydrate metabolism disorders, the most common type of diabetes is secondary diabetes. The majority of patients need an insulin treatment. Patients with chronic pancreatitis need a monitoring of blood glucose levels.