Does acute pancreatitis affect the rise in blood sugar?

Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
Updated on March 01, 2025
00:00
00:00

After the onset of acute pancreatitis, pathological changes occur in the pancreas, affecting both its endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine function includes the secretion of insulin, which can lead to insulin resistance, impacting glucose metabolism and causing an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, after admission, it is routine to monitor the blood sugar levels of patients with acute pancreatitis and manage insulin resistance. Additionally, due to the increased blood sugar levels, there is a higher risk of infection in these patients. Depending on the cause of the condition, targeted treatment is necessary along with the early use of antibiotics to control the progression of pancreatitis, reduce the rate of infections, and promote recovery of the body.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
59sec home-news-image

Can you drink milk with acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis, especially in the early stages of an attack, does not allow for the consumption of milk. During the onset of acute pancreatitis, especially at the beginning, it is crucial to completely refrain from eating and drinking anything, as consuming food can lead to excessive secretion of stomach acid. The stimulation from the food can cause the pancreas to secrete enzymes, potentially worsening symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating associated with acute pancreatitis. For patients with acute pancreatitis, if the condition is stable and intestinal function is restored or in the recovery phase, it is permissible to drink some milk. However, it is important to avoid consuming foods that are overly greasy, spicy or stimulating, especially alcoholic beverages, as these can exacerbate the symptoms of pancreatitis or even lead to a recurrence of the condition. The diet should primarily consist of light, low-salt, low-fat fresh vegetables and fruits.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
48sec home-news-image

Does acute pancreatitis affect the rise in blood sugar?

After the onset of acute pancreatitis, pathological changes occur in the pancreas, affecting both its endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine function includes the secretion of insulin, which can lead to insulin resistance, impacting glucose metabolism and causing an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, after admission, it is routine to monitor the blood sugar levels of patients with acute pancreatitis and manage insulin resistance. Additionally, due to the increased blood sugar levels, there is a higher risk of infection in these patients. Depending on the cause of the condition, targeted treatment is necessary along with the early use of antibiotics to control the progression of pancreatitis, reduce the rate of infections, and promote recovery of the body.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
51sec home-news-image

What IV fluids should be administered for acute pancreatitis?

If the diagnosis confirms acute pancreatitis, venous medication generally involves the use of proton pump inhibitors to suppress gastric acid, which also helps reduce the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Meanwhile, to prevent infection, antibiotics can be used appropriately. Medications that reduce pancreatic secretion, such as octreotide or somatostatin, can be considered, as well as drugs that inhibit pancreatic enzyme activity. Since patients with pancreatitis must abstain from food and water intake, it is important to pay attention to energy intake and maintain electrolyte balance. Once acute pancreatitis is confirmed, it is essential to seek hospital treatment as this condition can be quite dangerous. All mentioned medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
37sec home-news-image

Can you drink water with acute pancreatitis?

During the acute attack of acute pancreatitis, it is essential to immediately prohibit eating and drinking, as it may exacerbate the condition. Once the abdominal pain disappears and the body temperature normalizes, one can gradually resume eating and drinking, starting with small amounts of water and liquid food. However, it is also necessary to avoid consumption of meats and protein-rich foods. Additionally, if eating prompts a relapse of the condition, it indicates that the prohibition of eating and drinking should continue. If patients with pancreatitis resume eating and drinking too soon, it can lead to a worsening of the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
1min 47sec home-news-image

How long does it take to cure acute severe pancreatitis?

Acute severe pancreatitis is a disease with a long treatment period and high treatment costs. Acute severe pancreatitis is pathologically staged, generally divided into the organ failure phase, also known as the inflammatory response phase. Typically, this occurs within 7 days after the onset of severe pancreatitis, during which there is a massive release of inflammatory factors, causing multiple organ failures. This stage is perilous and often requires the support of multiple organ functions, such as ventilators and hemofiltration treatments. After this inflammatory response phase, it transitions into a chronic phase of abdominal infection, which occurs approximately one week to one or two months after the onset. At this time, there is a large amount of effusion in the abdominal cavity, and some of the effusion may develop secondary infections. The main treatment at this stage involves puncture drainage of the effusion. Once an infection is detected, puncture drainage is performed on the infected site to manage the infection. Therefore, the treatment period for severe pancreatitis primarily depends on the duration of organ function support, recovery time of organ functions, and the severity of the infection. Some organ function support may be prolonged, requiring several months, and sometimes irreversible conditions occur, such as acute renal failure transitioning into chronic renal failure. Abdominal infections are more complex. If the infection is severe and recurrent, long-term puncture drainage or surgical removal of the infection may be necessary, often requiring several months of treatment.