Our Summary

This research paper is about a type of diabetes known as Type 3c diabetes (T3cDM), which can occur after the surgical removal of a part of the pancreas (pancreatectomy). The study aimed to identify the risk factors for the development of this type of diabetes after this particular surgery.

Researchers searched through published literature and ended up including 36 articles in their review. These articles reported on a total of 8,873 patients who had undergone various types of pancreas removal surgeries.

The results showed that the chance of developing diabetes after surgery varied depending on the type of surgery: 16% of patients developed diabetes after a type of surgery known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, 21% after distal pancreatectomy, and 6% after central pancreatectomy.

The study found that the risk of developing diabetes was associated with the type of pancreas surgery, how much of the pancreas remained after surgery, and higher pre-surgery levels of HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months).

In simple terms, this study shows that the type of pancreas surgery, how much of the pancreas is left, and blood sugar levels before surgery can influence the likelihood of a patient developing a specific type of diabetes after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is Type 3c diabetes and how can it occur?
  2. What are the risk factors associated with developing Type 3c diabetes after pancreas surgery?
  3. How does the type of pancreas surgery and the amount of pancreas left influence the likelihood of developing Type 3c diabetes?

Doctor’s Tip

In light of this information, a doctor might advise a patient undergoing a Whipple procedure to closely monitor their blood sugar levels before and after surgery. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes post-surgery. Additionally, patients should follow up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor their overall health and address any concerns or symptoms that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone pancreas removal surgeries, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, or central pancreatectomy, are typically recommended the Whipple procedure. Additionally, patients with high pre-surgery levels of HbA1c are at a higher risk of developing Type 3c diabetes after surgery.

Timeline

Before the Whipple procedure:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor or other conditions such as chronic pancreatitis
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation
  • Patient may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and digestive issues

After the Whipple procedure:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the head of the pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, and part of the stomach and small intestine
  • Patient may stay in the hospital for 1-2 weeks for recovery
  • Patient may experience side effects such as pain, fatigue, changes in diet and digestion, and potential complications such as infection or leakage from the surgical site
  • Patient will need to follow up with regular check-ups and monitoring for potential complications or recurrence of the condition

Overall, the Whipple procedure can be a complex and challenging surgery with a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their recovery and long-term health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient may consider asking their doctor about the Whipple procedure:

  1. What is the purpose of the Whipple procedure and why is it recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the Whipple procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery process after the Whipple procedure and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the Whipple procedure?
  5. What are the chances of developing Type 3c diabetes after the Whipple procedure and what are the risk factors associated with it?
  6. How will my blood sugar levels be monitored after the surgery and what steps can I take to prevent the development of diabetes?
  7. Are there any specific symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate the onset of diabetes after the Whipple procedure?
  8. What follow-up appointments or tests will be necessary to monitor my pancreatic health and overall well-being post-surgery?
  9. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients who have undergone the Whipple procedure and may be at risk for developing diabetes?
  10. What are my options for managing diabetes if it does develop after the Whipple procedure?

Reference

Authors: Wu L, Nahm CB, Jamieson NB, Samra J, Clifton-Bligh R, Mittal A, Tsang V. Journal: Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2020 May;92(5):396-406. doi: 10.1111/cen.14168. Epub 2020 Feb 18. PMID: 32017157