Type 3c diabetes
Type 3c diabetes develops because of an illness or condition that causes damage to the pancreas so much so that it stops producing enough or any insulin for the body to balance glucose levels.
The pancreas has two parts:
- The endocrine part makes hormones such as insulin
- The exocrine part makes enzymes to digest our food
With this type of diabetes, both parts of the pancreas may be damaged
Causes of type 3c diabetes
Some medical conditions which affect the pancreas, include:
- acute pancreatitis
- chronic pancreatitis
- pancreatic cancer
- cystic fibrosis
- haemochromatosis
You can also develop type 3c diabetes if you have surgery to remove part or all your pancreas because of cancer or a traumatic injury.
Symptoms of type 3c diabetes
If you have type 3c diabetes, then your pancreas may not be able to make the enzymes you need to digest your food.
The signs to look out for include:
- unexplained weight loss
- stomach pain
- feeling more tired than usual
- frequently passing wind
- diarrhoea
- fatty or oily faeces
The more common symptoms of diabetes and high glucose levels may also be apparent depending on how much of your pancreas is still working and producing insulin.
If you notice any of these symptoms, or have any concerns, speak to your doctor.
Managing type 3c diabetes
If you have type 3c diabetes, it is important to visit a healthcare team that has experience in supporting people living with this type of diabetes. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment because it depends on which part and to what extent your pancreas has been damaged.
Some people may be able to manage their type 3c diabetes with glucose lowering tablets, but many will need insulin injections.
If your whole pancreas has been removed by surgery, you will need treatment like someone with type 1 diabetes.
Other treatments and support
It’s likely that your healthcare team will also discuss diet and lifestyle changes you might need to make. This could include treatment to help with digesting food and enzyme replacement tablets (CREON) which are usually taken every time you eat.
The pancreas also produces another important hormone, glucagon, which helps to prevent low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia). If this happens, a specialised team and an individualised approach to managing diabetes and hypoglycaemia is recommended.
If you or your family member are dealing with pancreatic cancer, you can find additional support and information on the Pancare Foundation website.