The link between diabetes and the pancreas

Article by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal endoscopist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Each type of diabetes involves the pancreas not working properly. The way in which the pancreas does not function properly varies depending on the type of diabetes. No matter what type of diabetes you have, it requires constant monitoring of your blood glucose levels for proper management.

The pancreas is an organ located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is an important organ in the human digestive system. The pancreas produces enzymes and hormones that help digest food. One of those hormones is insulin (insulin is essential in regulating glucose levels).
Glucose is sugar in the human body. Every cell in the body needs glucose for energy. Insulin acts as a "lock" the cell needs to open to allow it to use glucose for energy. Therefore, if your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it well, glucose builds up in the blood, leaving cells starved for energy.
When the amount of glucose accumulates in the blood, it will cause hyperglycemia with signs such as thirst, nausea, difficulty breathing. If the glucose level is low, it will cause hypoglycemia, causing the person to shiver, dizzy and lose consciousness.
Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.

2. Types of Diabetes Each type of diabetes involves the pancreas not working properly. The way in which the pancreas does not function properly varies depending on the type. Regardless of which type of diabetes you have, it requires constant monitoring of your blood glucose levels so you can take appropriate action.
Type 1 diabetes In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. It causes permanent damage, leaving your pancreas unable to produce insulin. It's not clear exactly what triggers the immune system to do it, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
Because the exact cause is not clear, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. It is also incurable. Anyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy to live because their pancreas isn't working at all.
Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance. That means your body can no longer use insulin well, so your blood sugar can become too high or too low.
It can also mean that your pancreas is still producing insulin, but it's not enough to get the job done. Most of the time, type 2 diabetes develops due to a combination of insulin deficiency and ineffective use of insulin.
This type of diabetes can also have genetic or environmental causes. Other things that can contribute to type 2 diabetes include a poor diet, inactivity, and obesity.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes usually includes changes to your diet and exercise habits. Medicines can help you control type 2 diabetes. Some medicines help lower the amount of glucose in your blood. Others stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. There is a long list of medications available to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In some cases, the pancreas eventually stops producing insulin, so insulin therapy becomes necessary.

Pre-diabetes If you have pre-diabetes, it means your blood sugar levels are outside the normal range, but not high enough for you to have diabetes. Pre-diabetes occurs if the pancreas slows down insulin production or the body doesn't use insulin as it should.
Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes only occurs when a woman is pregnant. Because of the increased risk to mother and baby, gestational diabetes requires extra monitoring during pregnancy and delivery.
3. The link between diabetes and the pancreas 3.1. The link between diabetes and pancreatitis When pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a few days, it is called acute pancreatitis. If it occurs over many years, it is called chronic pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis can damage the cells that produce insulin. That can lead to diabetes. Pancreatitis and type 2 diabetes share some risk factors. Observational studies indicate that people with type 2 diabetes may have a 2-3 times increased risk of developing acute pancreatitis.
Other possible causes of pancreatitis include:
Gallstones High blood triglycerides High blood calcium levels Excessive alcohol use 3.2. The link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer Diabetes can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer if you've had it for more than 5 years. Therefore, diabetes mellitus can be a sign of pancreatic cancer, especially if you develop type 2 diabetes after age 50.
If your diabetes is well controlled, but suddenly your blood sugar cannot be controlled, it could be an early telltale symptom of pancreatic cancer.
In short, having diabetes does not mean you will develop other problems with your pancreas. Likewise, being diagnosed with pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer does not mean you will develop diabetes.
Because the pancreas plays an important role in the management of insulin in the body. Therefore, incorporate lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of diabetes or pancreatitis:
Follow a healthy, balanced diet. Reduce simple carbohydrates. If you regularly drink alcohol, reduce your alcohol intake. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. If you have diabetes, follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

References:
Common questions about type 1 diabetes. (n.d.). joslin.org/info/common_questions_about_type_1_diabetes.html Diabetes and pancreatic cancer. (n.d.). pancan.org/section-facing-pancreatic-cancer/learn-about-pan-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/diabetes-and-pancreatic-cancer/ Giovannucci E, et al. (2010). Diabetes and cancer: A consensus report. DOI: 10.2337/dc10-0666 Gonzalez-Perez A, et al. (2010). Acute pancreatitis in association with type 2 diabetes and antidiabetic drugs: A population-based cohort study. DOI: 10.2337/dc10-0842 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Pancreatitis: Complications. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/basics/complications/con-20028421