Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency leaflet updated
A leading diabetes nursing organisation has published an updated version of its pancreatic exocrine insufficiency leaflet.
The TREND-UK resource called ‘Diabetes and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency’ now includes the latest, up-to-date information.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is important to understand in diabetes care due to the changing functions in the pancreas.
The leaflet is aimed at people with diabetes and covers:
- What is PEI?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is it treated?
- How to get the most out of your treatment
- How PEI affects your diabetes
A spokesman for the organisation said: “The pancreas gland lies underneath the stomach. It produces insulin which is secreted directly into the blood (endocrine), and digestive enzymes which are secreted via ducts into the gut (exocrine). Insulin controls blood glucose levels. A total or partial lack of insulin results in diabetes.
“Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas break down the food you eat (fats, proteins and carbohydrates), so that it can be absorbed from your gut into the bloodstream.
“Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) means the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to digest food properly. This means that your body does not get all the nutrients it needs, especially fat-soluble vitamins. This is called malabsorption.”
TREND-UK provides helpful resources for nurses and people with diabetes. To gain to the items, including the new updated ‘Diabetes and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency’ leaflet, people need to create a free account on the organisation’s website. To register, click here.