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What is diabetes? -

Diabetes develops when blood sugar (glucose) is too high. This happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough (or any) insulin, or the body doesn't respond to insulin the way it should.

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What is type 3c diabetes? -

Type 3c diabetes occurs when the pancreas is damaged, affecting its ability to produce insulin.

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Other names -

Type 3c diabetes is also known as pancreatic diabetes, pancreoprivic diabetes, and pancreatogenic or pancreatogenous diabetes mellitus.

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The pancreas -

The pancreas has two main functions: the exocrine function, where it produces digestive enzymes, and the endocrine function, which is about releasing hormones (i.e. insulin and glucagon) to control sugar levels in your bloodstream.

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Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency -

Pancreas damage that results in type 3c diabetes often also affects the organ’s ability to produce digestive enzymes. This damage is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

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How common is it? -

It is estimated that type 3c diabetes constitutes between 1% to 9% of all diabetes cases.

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Misdiagnosis -

Because it’s a rarer condition, some patients are misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

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What’s the difference between type 1 and type 3c diabetes? -

The cause of diabetes is what determines its type. Type 1 diabetes, for instance, is an autoimmune disease where the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are attacked by the person’s own immune system. The only way to manage the condition is by administering insulin.

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What’s the difference between type 2 and type 3c diabetes? -

Type 2 diabetes can develop when not enough insulin is produced, or when there is insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t react as it should to the presence of insulin in the bloodstream.

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The difference with type 3c diabetes -

With type 3c, the cause is damage to the pancreas, so there is no autoimmune element present.

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General symptoms -

The symptoms of type 3c diabetes are similar to the ones experienced with other types of diabetes. These may include increased thirst and dry mouth, as well as frequent urination and fatigue.

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General symptoms -

Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss and blurred vision, as well as numbness or tingling in hands or feet. Slow-healing sores or cuts are also a warning sign.

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Specific symptoms -

In addition to the symptoms shared with other types of diabetes, type 3c also has some specific symptoms. These may include abdominal pain, excessive gas, and bloating.

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Specific symptoms -

Other specific symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, and fatty stools.

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Causes -

As mentioned previously, type 3c diabetes occurs when damage to the pancreas affects insulin production. This damage can be caused by a number of conditions, including chronic pancreatitis.

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Causes: chronic pancreatitis -

Long-term inflammation in the pancreas leads to scarring that affects the production of hormones and enzymes. Chronic pancreatitis is the most common cause of type 3c diabetes.

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Causes: pancreatic cancer -

Pancreatic cancer is closely linked with the condition. This is because tumors from pancreatic cancer can potentially damage the pancreas and lead to type 3c diabetes.

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Causes: hemochromatosis -

Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, occurs when the body stores excessive levels of iron. The extra iron is sometimes absorbed by the pancreas, leading to damage and, consequently, type 3c diabetes.

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Causes: cystic fibrosis -

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes mucus to thicken and build up in organs, including the pancreas. This can lead to scarring and, consequently, impact on the organ’s ability to produce insulin, resulting in type 3c diabetes.

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Causes: pancreatectomy -

Some conditions such as pancreatic cysts, chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer may require surgical intervention to remove parts (or all) of the pancreas. This is known as pancreatectomy.

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Causes: pancreatectomy -

A partial pancreatectomy may or may not lead to type 3c diabetes, but a total pancreatectomy usually does, unless insulin-producing cells are transplanted to the liver.

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Diagnosis: glucose test -

The diagnosis of type 3c diabetes is done through a variety of methods, including a fasting blood glucose test.

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Diagnosis: blood test -

A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test can be used to calculate the average blood glucose levels over the past couple of months.

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Diagnosis: imaging tests -

Imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, can help detect damage to the pancreas.

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Diagnosis: pancreas blood tests -

It’s important to check pancreas function and see if there are any abnormal values in the digestive enzymes that may indicate damage.

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Diagnosis: diabetes autoantibody panel -

This blood test is prescribed to detect autoantibodies that cause type 1 diabetes. This is done to rule out the possibility of the person having type 1 diabetes.

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Treatment: blood sugar monitoring -

Monitoring blood glucose levels is important to determine the best blood sugar range for the person and to see which treatments are more adequate.

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Treatment: diet -

Food plays a big role in the management of type 3c diabetes. A dietitian will be able to prescribe an appropriate diet.

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Treatment: physical activity -

Exercise helps reduce insulin resistance. This increased insulin sensitivity is very important in the management of diabetes.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Diabetes UK)

See also: Unexpected symptoms that could indicate diabetes

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