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[Diabetogenic tropical pancreatitis]
R Assan1, D Assan, M F Thiebaut
1Service de Diabétologie, Hôpital Bichat, Paris.
Diabete & Metabolisme
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Tropical calcifying pancreatitis causes juvenile diabetes in tropical regions. Malnutrition and potential toxins like cyanogen glucosides are implicated, but the exact cause remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Juvenile diabetes in tropical regions is often linked to calcifying pancreatitis.
- This condition affects populations in Asia, Africa, South America, and migrant communities in Europe.
- Chronic malnutrition is a consistent factor in affected patients.
Purpose:
- To investigate the causes and characteristics of tropical calcifying pancreatitis and its relation to diabetes.
- To explore potential etiological factors including nutritional deficiencies and dietary toxins.
- To understand the pathophysiology of this specific form of diabetes.
Summary:
- Tropical calcifying pancreatitis is characterized by pancreatic calcification, chronic pain, exocrine insufficiency, and adolescent-onset insulin-dependent diabetes.
- This diabetes is typically non-ketotic despite insulin dependence, possibly due to carnitine and glucagon deficiencies.
- Etiological factors under investigation include pancreatic stone protein deficiency, cassava toxicity (cyanogen glucosides), and malnutrition-related amino acid deficiencies.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for further epidemiological and biochemical research into tropical pancreatitis and diabetes.
- Suggests echography as a potential tool for epidemiological studies.
- Emphasizes the lack of a suitable experimental model for disease research.