Hypotrypsinaemia in diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• The exocrine pancreas produces digestive enzymes, including trypsin.
• Diabetes mellitus affects various bodily functions, but its impact on the exocrine pancreas is less understood.
• Investigating plasma trypsin may reveal insights into pancreatic pathophysiology in diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure plasma trypsin concentrations in diabetic patients and healthy controls.
• To explore the relationship between plasma trypsin levels and diabetes management (diet, insulin).
• To elucidate the interrelationship between the endocrine and exocrine pancreas in diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Plasma trypsin concentrations were quantified using biochemical assays.
• A cohort of 403 fasting diabetic patients and 106 healthy controls were enrolled.
• Diabetic subgroups included those treated with diet alone and young insulin-dependent patients.

Main Results:

• Healthy controls had a mean plasma trypsin of 88 +/- 6 ng/ml.
• Diabetics on diet alone showed reduced levels (45 +/- 2 ng/ml).
• Young insulin-dependent diabetics exhibited very low trypsin levels (29 +/- 2 ng/ml), inversely related to insulin dosage.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic patients exhibit significantly reduced plasma trypsin concentrations.
• Low trypsin levels in diabetics, particularly those on insulin, suggest exocrine pancreatic dysfunction.
• These findings highlight a potential pathophysiological link between diabetes and the exocrine pancreas.