Can chronic pancreatitis cause diabetes?
Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by infection or inflammation of the pancreas gland, which produces hormones including insulin. Chronic pancreatitis may trigger the onset of diabetes.The FactsPancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes injure the pancreas, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). When the inflammation of pancreatitis does not improve or worsens over time, the condition is considered chronic.Insulin DisruptionIn time, chronic pancreatitis triggers scarring of the pancreas, notes the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Eventually, this process may lead to disruptions in the production of insulin, which the body needs to properly metabolize glucose in the bloodstream.DiabetesLowered insulin production can lead to the development of diabetes, reports the NDDIC. The presence of diabetes can in turn lead to a need for insulin or other medications that help control blood glucose.Family HistoryThe NDDIC notes that chronic pancreati
