title: [Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with diabetes mellitus. Current state of our knowledge and practical consequences].
abstract: In recent years, a number of studies have been carried out, the results of which suggest that the exocrine function of the pancreas is significantly more frequently impaired than is the case in healthy controls. In particular when a patient presents with gastrointestinal complaints of unclear origin, unexplained fluctuations in blood sugar, or loss of weight, the possibility of pancreatic exocrine insufficiencyshould be included in differential diagnostic considerations. Abnormal stools and intolerance of dietary fat can be clarified on the basis of a careful history. The diagnosis is confirmed with the aid of simple laboratory tests, for example the chemotrypsin test or the detection of elastase 1 in the stools. By way of treatment, pancreatic enzyme replacement can be applied.
authors.affiliation: Solvay Arzneimittel GmbH, Geschäftsbereich Gastroenterologie, Hans-Böckler-Allee 20, D-30173 Hannover.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wagner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002918:Chymotrypsin / Q000032:analysis; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D057487:Enzyme Therapy; D010188:Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D010179:Pancreas / Q000201:enzymology; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000032:analysis; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D002918:Chymotrypsin; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase