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Low faecal elastase 1 concentrations in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
W Rathmann1, B Haastert, A Icks
1Dept. of Biometrics and Epidemiology, Diabetes Research Institute at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany. rath@dfi.uni-duesseldorf.de
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 9, 2001
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is linked to impaired pancreatic exocrine function, as indicated by lower fecal elastase 1 levels. Poor glycemic control in diabetic patients further increases the risk of reduced pancreatic function.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a link between pancreatic exocrine dysfunction and diabetes, but evidence is limited due to invasive testing methods.
- Non-invasive fecal elastase 1 testing allows for broader population studies on this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fecal elastase 1 levels and Type 2 diabetes.
- To explore factors influencing pancreatic exocrine function in diabetic patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 544 Type 2 diabetic patients and 544 matched controls.
- Fecal elastase 1 concentrations were measured, and diabetes status was confirmed by HbA1c.
Main Results:
- Fecal elastase 1 levels were significantly lower in Type 2 diabetic patients compared to controls (median 308 vs. 418 µg/g).
- Low fecal elastase 1 (<100 µg/g) was observed in 11.9% of cases versus 3.7% of controls, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.5.
- Among diabetic patients, poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7%) was associated with a higher risk of low fecal elastase 1 levels (OR 5.6).
Conclusions:
- Type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced pancreatic exocrine function, as evidenced by lower fecal elastase 1 concentrations.
- Glycemic control is a significant factor associated with the degree of pancreatic exocrine dysfunction in diabetic individuals.