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Type 3c Diabetes

Type 3c diabetes develops when your pancreas experiences damage, such as from chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
People with Type 3c diabetes often also have a lack of pancreatic enzymes that are important for digestion.

Type 3c diabetes is manageable with oral diabetes medications and/or insulin.

Overview

What is Type 3c diabetes?

Type 3c Diabetes, also known as pancreatogenic diabetes or secondary diabetes, is a unique form of diabetes. It happens when diseases or conditions harm the pancreas. This leads to less insulin being made and released.

Definition and overview of pancreatogenic diabetes

Pancreatogenic diabetes occurs when the pancreas can’t make enough insulin. This is due to changes in the pancreas, like chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. It can also happen after pancreatic cancer or surgery that removes part of the pancreas. This results in islet cell dysfunction and high blood sugar levels.

Your pancreas has two main functions:

Exocrine function: Produces enzymes that help with digestion.

Endocrine function: Sends out hormones (mainly insulin and glucagon) that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.

Pancreas damage that leads to Type 3c diabetes often also affects your pancreas’s ability to produce the enzymes that help with digestion. This condition is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Other names for Type 3c diabetes include:

Pancreatogenic or pancreatogenous diabetes mellitus.

Pancreatic diabetes.

Pancreoprivic diabetes.

How common is Type 3c diabetes?

Researchers estimate that Type 3c diabetes represents 1% to 9% of all diabetes cases. This range is wide because Type 3c isn’t as well-known, and people with the condition are often misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

What’s the difference between Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3c diabetes?

The main difference between these types of diabetes is what causes them.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas for unknown reasons. People with Type 1 always need insulin to manage the condition.

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body doesn’t make enough insulin and/or your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin (insulin resistance). People with Type 2 diabetes may manage the condition with lifestyle changes, oral medication and/or insulin.

Type 3c diabetes results from damage to your pancreas that isn’t autoimmune. People with Type 3c often also lack the enzymes their pancreas makes for digestion. In this type, the amount of insulin your pancreas makes can vary. Some people take oral diabetes medications and others need insulin to manage the condition.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Type 3c diabetes?

The symptoms of Type 3c diabetes are the same as other forms of diabetes.

They include:

Increased thirst (polydipsia) and dry mouth.

Frequent urination.

Fatigue.

Blurred vision.

Unexplained weight loss.

Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

Slow-healing sores or cuts.

Frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections.

People with Type 3c diabetes typically also have symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which include:

Abdominal pain, gas and bloating.

Constipation.

Diarrhea.

Fatty stools (pale, oily, foul-smelling poop that floats).

Unexplained weight loss.

It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.

What causes Type 3c diabetes?

Type 3c diabetes develops when your pancreas experiences enough damage to affect its ability to make insulin. The damage can result from the following underlying conditions or situations:

Chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis.

Pancreatic cancer.

Hemochromatosis.

Cystic fibrosis.

Pancreatectomy.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation in your pancreas. Constant inflammation causes scarring of your pancreas tissues (fibrosis), which eventually stops it from making enzymes and hormones. About 25% to 80% of people with chronic pancreatitis develop Type 3c diabetes.

There are two main forms of chronic pancreatitis:

Acquired: “Acquired” means “developed after birth.” Acquired chronic pancreatitis has several possible causes. The two most common causes are gallstones and excessive alcohol use.

Hereditary: This form is due to genetic mutations you inherit from a biological parent. People with hereditary pancreatitis are born with genetic mutations, but they typically don’t experience the first episode of pancreatitis until late childhood.

Chronic pancreatitis is the most common cause of Type 3c diabetes — it represents about 79% of cases.

Pancreatic cancer

There’s a strong link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (the most common kind). About 50% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer also have diabetes.

Tumors from pancreatic cancer could potentially damage your pancreas and cause Type 3c diabetes. Researchers estimate that pancreatic cancer is the cause of about 8% of Type 3c diabetes cases.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis, also called iron overload, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron.

Normally, your intestines absorb just the right amount of iron from the food you eat. But with hemochromatosis, your body absorbs extra iron and stores it in your organs, especially your heart, liver and pancreas.

Iron stores in your pancreas can cause damage, leading to Type 3c diabetes.

Hemochromatosis causes about 7% of all Type 3c diabetes cases.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic (inherited) condition that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in organs, including your lungs and pancreas.

This mucus can scar and damage your pancreas, which can prevent it from producing enough insulin, resulting in Type 3c diabetes.

Sometimes, a person with cystic fibrosis experiences insulin resistance (like in Type 2 diabetes) due to the condition. This is more likely to happen when the person is sick, on steroid medications or is pregnant.

More than 35% of adults living with CF have Type 3c diabetes. This form of diabetes is also called CF-related diabetes (CFRD).

Cystic fibrosis causes about 4% of all Type 3c diabetes cases.

Pancreatectomy

A pancreatectomy is a surgery that removes part or all of your pancreas. You may need a pancreatectomy for many reasons, such as for pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cysts or severe chronic pancreatitis.

A pancreatectomy may or may not result in Type 3c diabetes. A partial pancreatectomy will leave some insulin-secreting cells behind. Sometimes they’re enough to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.

If you’re having a total pancreatectomy, you’ll have diabetes afterward unless your surgeon can preserve some of your insulin-producing cells. Sometimes, your surgeon can transplant some of these cells into your liver.

Pancreatectomies cause about 2% of all Type 3c diabetes cases.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is Type 3c diabetes diagnosed?

People with Type 3c Diabetes might feel like they need to pee a lot, get thirsty easily, and lose weight without trying. They might also have belly pain, oily stools, and feel weak because they can’t digest food well. These signs are different from other types of diabetes.

Doctors need to check a lot of things to figure out if someone has Type 3c Diabetes. They look at the patient’s past health, like if they’ve had pancreatic problems or surgery. They also do blood tests to see how sugar levels are in the blood.

Tests like fecal elastase-1, mixed-meal tolerance tests, and scans of the belly help find out if the pancreas is working right. These tests help doctors know for sure if someone has pancreatogenic diabetes.

Diagnostic Test	Purpose
Fecal Elastase-1	Assesses exocrine pancreatic function
Mixed-Meal Tolerance Test	Evaluates insulin secretion and glucose tolerance
Abdominal Imaging (CT, MRI)	Detects structural abnormalities in the pancreas

Finding Type 3c Diabetes early and correctly is key to treating it right. Doctors use special tests to spot pancreatogenic diabetes. This helps patients get better care and live better lives.

It can be difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose Type 3c diabetes. This is because it isn’t a very common or well-known type of diabetes. Providers tend to misdiagnose it as Type 2 diabetes, which is a much more common form. If you have a known pancreatic condition, it’s less difficult to diagnose Type 3c.

Providers have to confirm diabetes, confirm damage to your pancreas and rule out other types of diabetes to diagnose Type 3c.

They may order the following tests to do so:

Fasting blood glucose test: For this test, you don’t eat or drink anything except water (fast) for at least eight hours before the test. A result of 126 mg/dL or higher typically indicates diabetes.

A1C: This blood test, also called HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin test, provides your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. A result of 6.5% or higher typically indicates diabetes.

Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, can help your provider see damage to your pancreas.

Pancreas blood tests: These tests can check pancreas function. They measure the levels of certain digestive enzymes your pancreas produces. If the results are abnormal, they can help confirm pancreas damage.

Diabetes autoantibody panel: This is a blood test that checks if you have the autoantibodies that cause Type 1 diabetes. Your provider may order this test to rule out Type 1.

Complications Associated with Type 3c Diabetes

Type 3c diabetes, also known as pancreatogenic diabetes, can lead to serious diabetes complications. These complications affect the quality of life for those with the condition. They include a higher risk of hypoglycemia and glucose variability, as well as exocrine dysfunction.

Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia and Glucose Variability

People with Type 3c diabetes often face more hypoglycemic episodes than others. This is due to the complex nature of the condition. It involves both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. The unpredictable glucose levels make it hard to keep blood sugar stable, leading to more hypoglycemia.

Malnutrition and Digestive Issues Related to Exocrine Dysfunction

Exocrine dysfunction in Type 3c diabetes causes significant digestive problems and raises the risk of malnutrition. The pancreas is key in making enzymes for digestion and nutrient absorption. When exocrine function is impaired, people may have symptoms like:

Symptom	Description
Steatorrhea	Fatty, bulky, and foul-smelling stools
Abdominal pain	Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region
Weight loss	Unintentional weight loss due to malabsorption
Vitamin deficiencies	Inadequate absorption of fat-soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, and K)

Long-term Health Risks and Comorbidities

Type 3c diabetes comes with long-term health risks and comorbidities. The chronic nature of the condition makes managing blood glucose and nutrition challenging. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and neuropathy. People with Type 3c diabetes may also be more likely to develop osteoporosis and fractures due to malabsorption of nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D.

Management and Treatment

How is Type 3c diabetes treated?

The treatment for Type 3c diabetes varies based on the underlying cause and how much of your pancreas is damaged (or surgically removed).

People with the condition typically take an oral diabetes medication (such as metformin) and/or take synthetic insulin (with injections or an insulin pump).

Your treatment needs may change over time if your pancreas becomes more damaged. For example, an oral medication may work well to manage your blood sugar at first. But you may eventually need insulin to keep your blood sugar levels in range if your pancreas produces less and less insulin.

Other management strategies for Type 3c diabetes include:

Blood sugar monitoring: Monitoring your blood sugar (glucose) is key to determining how well your current treatment plan is working. It gives you information on how to manage Type 3c diabetes on a daily — and sometimes even hourly — basis. You can monitor your levels with frequent checks with a glucose meter and finger stick and/or with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). You and your healthcare provider will determine the best blood sugar range for you.

Print a copy of the Blood Sugar Log for your use.

Diet: Meal planning and choosing a healthy diet for you are key aspects of diabetes management in general, as food greatly impacts blood sugar. A registered dietitian can help you develop the best eating plan.

Exercise: Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity (and helps reduce insulin resistance), so regular exercise is an important part of management for all people with diabetes.

Diabetes is a complex condition, so its management involves several strategies. In addition, diabetes affects everyone differently, so management plans are highly individualized. You’ll likely benefit from regular visits with your healthcare team to monitor how well your treatment plan is working.
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is vital for Type 3c Diabetes. It helps with digestion by using supplements like lipase, amylase, and protease. The right dose depends on the meal and the person’s needs.

Meal Type	Lipase Units per Meal
Low-fat	25,000 – 50,000
Moderate-fat	50,000 – 75,000
High-fat	75,000 – 100,000

Nutritional Support and Dietary Considerations

Diet is very important for Type 3c Diabetes treatment. Patients should talk to a dietitian to make a meal plan. This plan helps keep blood sugar stable and supports health.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion

Choose complex carbs and fiber over simple carbs

Make sure to get enough protein to prevent muscle loss

Take fat-soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K) and other nutrients

By using insulin, PERT, and a tailored diet, people with Type 3c Diabetes can manage their condition well. This improves their life quality.

Medications for Diabetes, Type 3C

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name	Rating	Rx/OTC	Preg	CSA	Alcohol
Metformin (Off-label)	7.5	Rx	B	N	X

Legend
Rating	For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Off-label	This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
Rx	Prescription only.
OTC	Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC	Prescription or Over-the-counter.

Pregnancy Category		Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule		Alcohol
B	Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.	U	CSA Schedule is unknown.	X	Interacts with Alcohol.
C	Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.	N	Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Prevention

Can I prevent Type 3c diabetes?

The only way to prevent Type 3c diabetes is to try to prevent the underlying conditions that cause it, if possible. Inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis and hereditary pancreatitis aren’t preventable. But there are steps you can take to try to prevent acquired pancreatitis, such as moderating your alcohol consumption and maintaining healthy triglyceride levels.

Prognosis

What is the prognosis of Type 3c diabetes?

The prognosis (outlook) for Type 3c diabetes varies greatly depending on several factors, including:

The underlying condition that caused it.

How well you manage Type 3c diabetes over time and your access to diabetes care.

How well the underlying condition is managed.

Your age at diagnosis/how long you’ve had diabetes.

If you have other health conditions.

If you develop diabetes complications.

Chronic high blood sugar can cause severe complications, which are often irreversible. Several studies have shown that untreated chronic high blood sugar shortens your lifespan and worsens your quality of life.

However, it’s important to know that you can live a healthy life with diabetes. The following are key to a better prognosis:

Lifestyle changes.

Regular exercise.

Dietary changes.

Regular blood sugar monitoring.

What are the complications of Type 3c diabetes?

Blood glucose levels that remain high for too long can damage your body’s tissues and organs. This is mainly due to damage to your blood vessels and nerves, which support your body’s tissues.

Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues are the most common type of long-term diabetes complication.

They include:

Coronary artery disease (CAD).

Heart attack.

Stroke.

Atherosclerosis.

Other diabetes complications include:

Nerve damage (neuropathy).

Nephropathy.

Retinopathy.

Diabetes-related foot conditions.

Living with Type 3c Diabetes

Managing Type 3c Diabetes needs a mix of treatments for the pancreas’s endocrine and exocrine parts. Patient education is key to helping people manage their diabetes well and stay healthy.

One big challenge is the risk of low blood sugar and changes in blood sugar levels. People with Type 3c Diabetes must watch their blood sugar closely and adjust their insulin as needed. Working with a diabetes team, including doctors and dietitians, helps create a plan for stable blood sugar.

Those with Type 3c Diabetes also face digestive problems due to pancreatic insufficiency. They might need pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to digest food properly. It’s important to find the right dose and timing of PERT with the help of a healthcare team.

Eating the right foods is also vital. A diet that meets the needs of pancreatogenic diabetes is important. This might mean watching fat and carbs, and making sure to get enough protein and Vitamins. A dietitian can help plan meals and deal with any dietary challenges.

Regular check-ups with a healthcare team are key for Type 3c Diabetes patients. These visits help keep an eye on blood sugar, adjust treatments, and catch problems early. It’s also important to know about long-term risks like heart disease and osteoporosis and take steps to prevent them.

Living with Type 3c Diabetes can be tough, but with the right education, support, and diabetes management strategies, people can manage it well and live a good life.

Current Research and Future Directions

Scientists and doctors are working hard on Type 3c Diabetes research. They want to understand this condition better and find new treatments. Many clinical trials are happening to find new ways to help people with pancreatogenic diabetes.

One exciting area is finding new medicines for Type 3c Diabetes. These drugs aim to fix both the insulin and digestive problems caused by pancreatic issues. They hope to help manage Type 3c Diabetes better by improving insulin work and digestion.

Ongoing studies and clinical trials

Studies are looking into the causes, risks, and long-term effects of Type 3c Diabetes. These clinical trials are trying to find early signs and create tests for quick diagnosis. They’re also looking into personalized medicine, making treatment plans based on each person’s needs and genes.

Potential new therapies and management approaches

New ideas in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy give hope for Type 3c Diabetes. Research is exploring ways to fix damaged pancreatic tissue. Gene therapy is also being looked into, aiming to fix the genetic problems that cause Type 3c Diabetes.

Also, new tech like smart insulin pumps and glucose monitors are being made for Type 3c Diabetes. These future therapies aim to better control blood sugar, lower the chance of low blood sugar, and improve life quality for those with Type 3c Diabetes.

Raising Awareness of Type 3c Diabetes

Type 3c Diabetes, also known as pancreatogenic diabetes, is a lesser-known form of diabetes. It needs more attention from healthcare professionals and the public. Raising awareness is key for early detection and proper diagnosis, which can greatly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Many people with Type 3c Diabetes face delays in getting an accurate diagnosis. This is because healthcare providers are not always familiar with this condition. By educating medical professionals about pancreatogenic diabetes, we can help ensure timely intervention and tailored management strategies for these patients.

Importance of early detection and proper diagnosis

Early detection is critical for managing Type 3c Diabetes successfully. When diagnosed early, patients can start treatments like insulin therapy and nutritional support. This helps control blood glucose levels and prevents complications. Proper diagnosis also ensures patients get care that addresses both the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.

Advocacy and support for individuals with pancreatogenic diabetes

Patient advocacy and support groups are vital for those with Type 3c Diabetes. These groups offer resources, education, and emotional support. They help patients cope with the challenges of living with this condition. By connecting with others, patients can learn strategies, share information, and find strength in a supportive community. Advocacy efforts also drive research, improve access to care, and influence policies that benefit those with pancreatogenic diabetes.

FAQ's

Q: What is the difference between Type 3c Diabetes and other types of diabetes?

A: Type 3c Diabetes, also known as pancreatogenic diabetes, is caused by damage to the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Type 2 diabetes is mainly about insulin resistance. Type 3c Diabetes is special because it combines insulin deficiency with exocrine dysfunction.
Q: What are the common causes of Type 3c Diabetes?

A: Type 3c Diabetes often comes from chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and other pancreatic diseases. These conditions damage or remove part of the pancreas. This leads to both endocrine and exocrine dysfunction, causing pancreatogenic diabetes.
Q: How is Type 3c Diabetes diagnosed?

A: To diagnose Type 3c Diabetes, doctors use blood glucose tests, pancreatic function tests, and imaging studies. A team of endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists is needed for a correct diagnosis and management.
Q: What are the complications associated with Type 3c Diabetes?

A: People with Type 3c Diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia and glucose swings. They might also face malnutrition and digestive problems. Long-term, they could get heart disease, nerve damage, and other diabetes-related issues.
Q: What treatment options are available for Type 3c Diabetes?

A: Treatment for Type 3c Diabetes includes insulin therapy, glucose management, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), and nutritional support. The treatment plan is made for each person, considering their pancreatic condition and the level of dysfunction.
Q: How can individuals with Type 3c Diabetes manage their condition effectively?

A: Managing Type 3c Diabetes well needs a team of healthcare professionals. Patients should learn about glucose monitoring, insulin use, diet, and enzyme supplements. Regular check-ups and treatment plan adjustments are key for good results.
Q: Are there any specific dietary considerations for people with Type 3c Diabetes?

A: People with Type 3c Diabetes need a diet tailored to their needs and exocrine dysfunction. This diet should be high in protein and fat, with careful carb intake. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Q: What research is being conducted on Type 3c Diabetes?

A: Research on Type 3c Diabetes aims to understand the condition better, improve diagnosis, and find new treatments. Clinical trials are looking at new insulin types, enzyme replacement therapies, and other ways to control blood sugar and improve life quality.

** Good Luck with your Diabetic Situation **

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Most recent revision June 30, 2025 08:08:44 PM

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