| dc.description.abstract | Background: One of the complications of diabetes mellitus is the
development of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Aim: To study pancreatic exocrine function
in diabetics patients. Material and methods: Seventy two diabetic patients were included in
the protocol, but two were withdrawn because an abdominal CAT scan showed a chronic
calcified pancreatitis, previously undiagnosed. Fecal elastase was measured by ELISA and the
presence of fat in feces was assessed using the steatocrit. Results: Mean age was 60 ±12 years
and 67 (96%) patients had a type 2 diabetes. Fecal elastase was normal (elastase >200 µg/g) in
47 (67%) patients, mildly decreased (100-200 µg/g) in 10 (14%) and severely decreased in 13
(19%). There was a significant association between elastase levels and time of evolution of
diabetes (p=0.049) and between lower elastase levels and the presence of a positive steatocrit
(p=0.042). No significant association was found between elastase levels and other chronic
complications of diabetes such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, microangiopathy or
with insulin requirement. Conclusions: One third of this group of diabetic patients had
decreased levels of fecal elastase, that was associated with the time of evolution of diabetes.
Patients with lower levels of elastase have significantly more steatorrhea. Among diabetics it is
possible to find a group of patients with non diagnosed chronic pancreatitis. | |
