Totally removal of the pancreas usually typical leaves behind insulin-sensitive type 1 diabetes because all contraproductive-insulin hormones of the pancreas vanished too, unless they were already more resistant beforehand (double diabetes). Typically, these patients are also more prone to severe hypoglycemia. The missing exocrine pancreatic enzymes must then also be substituted with food.
A pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the pancreas. The pancreas is a vital organ that serves two main functions: it produces digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine, and it produces hormones, including insulin, that regulate blood sugar levels.
Here’s how a pancreatectomy can affect insulin production and blood sugar regulation:
Total Pancreatectomy: If a total pancreatectomy is performed, where the entire pancreas is removed, the individual will lose the ability to produce insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar levels cannot be properly regulated, leading to a condition known as diabetes mellitus.
Partial Pancreatectomy: If only a part of the pancreas is removed, the remaining portion may still produce some insulin. The ability to regulate blood sugar will depend on the amount of functioning pancreatic tissue left and how well it can compensate for the loss.
After a pancreatectomy, patients often experience the following:
Insulin Dependence: Most patients who have had a pancreatectomy will need to take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. This is because the body can no longer produce insulin on its own.
Monitoring Blood Sugar: Patients will need to monitor their blood sugar levels frequently to ensure they remain within a target range. This may involve using a glucometer to test blood sugar levels several times a day.
Insulin Therapy: Insulin therapy can be administered through injections or an insulin pump. The type, dosage, and timing of insulin will be determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s specific needs, which may include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting insulin.
Dietary Adjustments: Patients will need to follow a balanced diet that is low in sugar and rich in nutrients to help manage blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are important for managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy: If the pancreatectomy has affected the ability to produce digestive enzymes, patients may also need to take pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid in digestion.
It’s important for individuals who have had a pancreatectomy to work closely with a healthcare team that includes endocrinologists, dietitians, and diabetes educators to manage their condition effectively. The team will provide education on insulin administration, blood sugar monitoring, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to help the patient maintain the best possible health and quality of life.