Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are often accompanied by mostly mild forms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Despite high prevalence, little is known about the clinical consequences of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and its optimal (nutritional) treatment. Even less is known if and to what extent exocrine pancreas insufficiency also affects glycemic control in diabetes. This article aims for summarizing current clinical knowledge on screening, diagnosis, and treatment and gives an overview on the pathophysiology of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies reveal novel insights into the close interaction of acinar, ductal, and endocrine cells and the gut-pancreas axis. SUMMARY: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a clinically relevant, frequent but poorly understood disorder in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.