Metabolic Trifecta After Pancreatitis: Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction, Altered Gut Microbiota, and New-Onset Diabetes

Abstract

Pancreatitis, a complex disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, often leads to metabolic sequelae (such as exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and new-onset diabetes). Several trillion micro-organisms inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, and this community plays an important role in the regulation of functions of not only the gut but also the pancreas. Studies to parse the underlying contributions of the gut microbiota to metabolic sequelae of pancreatitis will offer important translational insights with a view to preventing exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and new-onset diabetes after pancreatitis.