[Determination of pancreatic size by ultrasound in diabetics]

Determination of pancreatic size by ultrasound in diabetics showed that the pancreas is smallest in Type 1 (IDDM) diabetes (7.15 +/- 0.55 cm), larger in Type 2 (9.71 +/- 0.81 cm), but significantly greater in nondiabetics (15.17 +/- 0.79 cm). In 10/12 patients referred because of reactive hypoglycemia there was insulin-resistance and the pancreas was smaller than 8 cm. There was no correlation between pancreatic size and duration of diabetes, body size, or body mass index. More normal controls of various ages are needed for definitive assessment.