Low fecal elastase as a marker of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in type 2 diabetic patients with prediabetic

Abstract

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by lower levels of pancreatic enzymes, leading to a disruption in nutrient absorption. The objective of this study was to determine the association between type 2 diabetic and prediabetic patients and the onset of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, demonstrated by fecal elastase values compared to healthy individuals. A quantitative, retrospective, non-experimental, cross-sectional, observational, comparative, and correlational study was conducted. The population consisted of type 2 diabetics and prediabetics referred by the endocrinology and nutrition service for fecal elastase testing. A total of 55 patients were included, for whom anthropometric measurements were taken, and fecal elastase levels were requested. The results showed that two prediabetics had mild EPI, and two had severe EPI. In the control group, five individuals had low fecal elastase levels, three with mild EPI and two with severe EPI. This study did not find an association between exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and type 2 diabetes.