While most people are familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there is another form called type 3c diabetes that often flies under the radar and is frequently misdiagnosed. This condition accounts for up to 9% of diabetes cases and occurs when the pancreas is damaged, affecting its ability to produce insulin and digestive enzymes.
It’s important to distinguish type 3c diabetes from type 3 diabetes, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Common causes of type 3c diabetes include pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and haemochromatosis, or from surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas.
According to Diabetes UK, many patients with type 3c diabetes are mistakenly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, partly because this form is less widely recognized and sometimes referred to as pancreatogenic diabetes or diabetes related to disorders of the pancreas. Patients should inform their healthcare providers about any pancreatic issues, as this information is vital for accurate diagnosis.
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Damage to the pancreas in type 3c diabetes results in insufficient insulin production similar to other types of diabetes. However, unlike types 1 and 2, this damage can also reduce the pancreas’s ability to produce enzymes necessary for digestion, requiring a different approach to treatment. Misdiagnosis can therefore lead to ineffective management and complications.
Type 1 diabetes is generally characterized by a complete lack of insulin production, often with a genetic origin, and is typically managed through insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production and can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medications like metformin.
In contrast, type 3c diabetes treatment varies based on the extent of pancreatic damage. It may include dietary adjustments, enzyme replacement, and medications such as metformin or insulin therapy as the disease progresses. Many patients begin with metformin and transition to insulin when necessary.
Common symptoms of type 3c diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and digestive issues due to enzyme deficiency. Anyone experiencing these signs or who has underlying pancreatic disease should consult their doctor promptly.
Support and information on type 3c diabetes and its associated conditions are available through organizations such as Diabetes UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Haemochromatosis UK, and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.