I want to give you a little background about the disease/ my husband was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis approximately 18 months ago, last month he became an insulin dependent diabetic. He has been taking enzymes for about six months as his pancreas was not breaking down his foods the way it should. The dr. told him his pancreas stopped producing the insulin but as long as something else didn’t stop producing, he would be ok. He has gained 5 pounds since he went on the insulin, he was down to 123 pounds. What I am trying to figure out is what the dr. was talking about that his pancreas shows no signs of not producing and is there something else we can do besides pain management and sugar management to help him live a more normal life. We have been told that there is no cure but I guess I am looking for some hope and maybe some lifestyle changes that may keep him a little more healthy. I don’t understand the extent of the disease or the prognosis and everyone seems to avoid my questions. I feel if I know what to do or expect, I can be of more help.
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Dr. Joshua’s Answer:
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The doctor probably meant that as long as his pancreas is producing sufficient amounts of the hormone glucagon, the insulin treatment is easier and safer. Glucagon is the hormone that counter-balances insulin in the body. If the pancreas is not producing glucagon, insulin treatment carries more risks of complications such as hypoclycaemia, which means that the blood sugar levels fall too low.
In addition to pain and sugar management, it’s essential to follow a proper diet, and abstain from alcohol and tobacco completely. The most important diet rule is to avoid fat. Some patients need a high-protein diet, and some need a low-protein diet - consult your doctor about this. An active lifestyle with a good balance of exercise, rest, and enjoyable activities is helpful in any chronic illness. Make sure that your husband is getting a sufficient daily dose of the fat-soluble vitamins. These include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
Some studies have found that antioxidant vitamin supplements may be beneficial in reducing pain and promoting healing of the pancreas tissue. It should be noted, however, that there is no treatment that will cure chronic pancreatitis. Ask your doctor about the possibility of antioxidant supplements.
What to expect in the future? The prognosis depends not only on the severity of the pancreatitis, but also on other factors influencing health, such as lifestyle and presence of other illnesses. About half of chronic pancreatitis patients are alive 20 years after the diagnosis. Make sure your husband is taking all the necessary steps to promote health and enjoyable living, and absolutely abstaining from alcohol and tobacco.
References:
Uden S, Bilton D, Nathan L, Hunt LP, Main C, Braganza JM.
Antioxidant therapy for recurrent pancreatitis: placebo-controlled trial.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1990 Aug;4(4):357-71.
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