Diabetes mellitus is a complicated group of illnesses that alter how our body processes glucose in the blood (glucose). Most people are aware of the most common forms of diabetes, like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, a less well-known but vital type of diabetes, Type 3c diabetes mellitus, has become more widely recognized in recent years. It is a type of diabetes caused by diseases that affect the pancreas, including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic surgery.
This blog will provide a complete review of Type 3c diabetes, including its causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
What is Type 3c Diabetes Mellitus?
The type 3c form of diabetes is a form of diabetes that is caused when the pancreas becomes damaged as a result of several conditions, including:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic surgical procedure (e.g. removal of a portion or all or all of the pancreas)
Contrary to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which are affected by insulin production or resistance issues, Type 3c diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas, which reduces its capacity to produce insulin and manage blood sugar.
The term “Type 3c” is not well-known in every medical field, which may explain some confusion over the classification of this condition. However, it is becoming apparent that Type 3c is an entirely distinct type of diabetes that needs to be treated separately from more common forms.
What Causes Type 3c Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 3c diabetes occurs when the pancreas becomes compromised due to one of a variety of diseases that harm its tissue.
The pancreas plays an essential role in both the digestion of foods (via enzymes) and the control of blood sugar (via the production of insulin). If the pancreas fails to function effectively because of damage or disease, it could result in Type 3c diabetes.
Common causes of Type 3c diabetes comprise:
1. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic. As time passes, chronic pancreatitis can destroy pancreatic tissue, impairing its ability to produce insulin and enzymes that aid food digestion. Chronic pancreatitis is among the most frequently cited causes of Type 3c diabetes.
2. Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreas cancer, regardless of whether it’s the endocrine or exocrine portion of the pancreas, may affect its capacity to make insulin. The pancreas is often the cause of serious harm to the pancreas, which can cause an endocrine (insulin-producing) malfunction and, consequently, lead to diabetes.
3. Pancreatic Surgery
Removal of a part or all of the pancreas could decrease the ability to make insulin. For example, after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), people may develop Type 3c diabetes due to the loss of functional pancreatic tissue.
How does Type 3c Diabetes differ from other Types?
Though Type 3c has many similarities with Type 2 diabetes, quite a few other factors differentiate it. Let’s look at the significant differences between type 3c and the other types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 Diabetes vs. Type 3c Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disorder in which the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin (beta cells) in the pancreas. It is usually diagnosed in adolescence or childhood.
Type 3c diabetes can be caused by physical injury to the pancreas resulting from conditions like pancreatitis, cancer of the pancreas, or surgical procedures. It is often diagnosed later in life, is connected to various health issues, and does not result from an autoimmune reaction.
2. Type 2 Diabetes vs. Type 3c Diabetes
The condition known as Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, in which the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. As time passes, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet the body’s requirements.
Type 3C Diabetes results from an injury to the pancreas, which results in lower insulin production because of a loss of tissue in the pancreas. Insulin resistance can occur; however, the main reason is damage to the pancreas, not simply insulin resistance.
3. Symptoms of Type 3c Diabetes
The signs and symptoms that are associated with people with type 3c diabetes are identical to the symptoms that are present in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and include:
- Frequent urination
- More thirst
- Excessive fatigue
- Blurred Vision
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Food intake increases
Furthermore, those who have Type 3c diabetes can have digestive issues because of pancreatic insufficiency, which could include:
- Fatty stool (steatorrhea)
- A stomach pain
- Indigestion and Bloating
- Weight loss despite eating normal
These digestive issues are caused by the pancreas, which plays a crucial function in producing enzymes that aid in food digestion. Moreover, harm to the pancreas may affect this function.
Diagnosing Type 3c Diabetes
The diagnosis of Type 3c diabetes may be difficult, especially since it can be mistaken for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. An extensive evaluation is required to distinguish between the two kinds. The following strategies can be employed to diagnose:
1. Blood Tests
Standard blood glucose tests, such as fasting glucose or HbA1c tests, can be employed to determine the diagnosis of diabetes. These tests are usually higher in people suffering from Type 3c diabetes, just like in other types of diabetes.
2. Pancreatic Function Tests
To determine if the root cause of diabetes is pancreatic malfunction, other tests can be performed to evaluate the function of the pancreas. These tests can include:
- C-peptide testing: To measure the pancreas’ insulin production.
- Levels of pancreatic enzymes: To determine how efficiently the pancreas can produce enzymes.
3. Imaging Studies
If the diabetic condition is thought to be due to pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds could be done to evaluate pancreas-related damage or to determine the existence of cancerous tumours.
Treatment and Management of Type 3c Diabetes
The treatment for diabetes type 3c is primarily focused on controlling blood sugar levels and also dealing with the pancreatic issue that causes it. The most important aspects of treatment are:
1. Insulin Therapy
An injury to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas characterizes type 3c diabetes. Patients typically require insulin therapy to maintain a regular blood sugar level. The amount and type of insulin used will depend on the individual’s needs and could differ depending on the severity of the pancreas’ dysfunction.
2. Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)
Patients suffering from Type 3c type diabetes might also be suffering from pancreatic insufficiency. That means that their pancreas isn’t producing sufficient digestive enzymes. In these cases, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is recommended to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
3. Dietary Management
A well-balanced diet is crucial in managing Type 3c diabetes. A diet that is high in fibre and low in simple carbohydrates may help stabilize glucose levels. In certain instances, it is helpful to consult an experienced nutritionist who is aware of the specific needs of a person who has pancreatic damage could be beneficial.
4. Regular Monitoring
Due to the complexity of type 3c diabetes, repeated monitoring of one’s glycemic levels to ensure it stays within the normal range is a must. Patients will also require regular examinations of their pancreatic function and overall health.
Prognosis
The outlook for people who have Type 3c diabetes depends upon the underlying cause of the pancreas’ damage and the severity in which the pancreas is dysfunctional. If the root cause can be treated or controlled (e.g. surgical intervention or treating pancreatitis), it can help improve blood sugar control. For those who have chronic pancreatic damage, a continuous treatment of blood sugar, in conjunction with enzyme replacement or insulin therapies, is likely to be required.
Conclusion
Type 3c Diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes that arises due to the damage of the pancreas by causative agents such as surgery, pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer. Other mutations may be closely associated with different types of diabetes; hence, the explanation of its cause makes it unique. Treatment of Type 3c diabetes involves a team approach between insulin therapy, supplementation with digestive enzymes, and nutritional modification. A prompt diagnosis and early treatment are vital to managing the condition efficiently and enhancing the health for people affected by it.
