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What Is the Connection Between Pancreatitis & Diabetes?

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. This health problem causes a great risk of diabetes because it causes the pancreas to produce different amounts of insulin.

  1. Insulin

    • Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. This hormone is needed in the blood stream for the body to function; it regulates the body's energy.

    Digestion

    • The pancreas' other function is to help digest food by producing enzymes. Without this function, food cannot be digested at all.

    Diabetes

    • Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin, such as when a person has pancreatitis, and it goes undiagnosed.

    Type 1

    • There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1. This is the type of diabetes most children and teens have and one in which insulin is not produced at all and must be replaced with injected insulin.

    Type 2

    • Type 2 diabetes is common among overweight and elderly people. This type of diabetes is when only some insulin is made and can be controlled by a person losing weight or taking medication.

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