What is Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not synthesise sufficient enzymes for proper digestion to take place. The organ produces and secretes digestive fluids containing enzymes, which help break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

The islet cells of the pancreas secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. Insulin causes the body’s cells to take up glucose from the blood, and glucagon causes the liver to release glucose into the blood. Pancreatic insufficiency is a condition, not a disease.

It is commonly associated with diseases such as pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, in which patients have a shortage of the digestive enzymes necessary to break down food. It typically results from damage to the organ, such as chronic inflammation or after pancreatic surgery.

Its main cause is alcohol dependence. Certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as stomach ulcers and Crohn’s disease, and autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus SLE), may also lead to the development of pancreatic insufficiency.

Malabsorption of fat is likely if an individual ingesting 100g of fat per day excretes more than 7g of fat in a 24-hour period. Malabsorption of protein is likely if nitrogen excretion is greater than 2.5g per 24 hours. In order for impairment of the digestion of fat to occur, pancreas secretion must be less than ten per cent of its normal output. This means that in severe pancreatic insufficiency, 90 per cent of the gland’s tissue is affected.

Source: Medicines for Mankind