Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What does it mean to have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
10 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Digestive Enzymes: The pancreas' main exocrine function is to produce enzymes which help digest carbs, protein, and fats. These enzymes are made in acinar cells and travel down a duct to the small intestine (2nd stage of duodenum). Insufficiency can either be from an obstruction in said duct or a decreased synthesis of the enzymes from damage or fibrosis of pancreatic tissue, most commonly secondary to pancreatitis.
Answered 8/25/2016
6.3k views
Pancreatic insuff: This means that the pancrease (pancrelipase) is not producing enough enzymes to help digest your food appropriately. This function of the pancreas is separate from the endocrine function of producing Insulin that is involved in glucose utilization in the body.
Answered 6/25/2014
6k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
What is the gland that secretes both exocrine and endocrine hormone?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Only cloudy urine & 30 ketones in urinalysis. Labs normal. No diabetes but have pancreas insufficiency. Eat healthy. What do results mean?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Is pancreatic insufficiency related to history of uc? Will i need to take creon for life?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What chances 33 y/o male has cystic fibrosisis? I do have a child & I never had breathing issues or pancreatic insufficiency, issues. Only sinusitis.
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Could pancreatic insufficiency cause difficulty digesting fats? The digestive symptom are severe. Empirically, a very low-fat diet helps.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
What things can cause pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, apart from alcohol? Provide an answer for the patient who never imbibes alcohol.
I had my gallbladder removed in 2009. Now, in 2022, a stool sample test shows I have 60 exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. All other bloodwork/labs are normal. Yet, the CT scan shows a perfect and normal pancreas. How is this possible?
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Cys fib panel -ve. Bloods for Crohns and celiac -ve u/s normal. Failure to thrive. Poor weight gain. Ongoing 6+yrs. Family history myriad autoimmune diseases. Cystic fibrosis. Paediatrician is stumped. Pls help?
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Cys fib panel -ve. Bloods for Crohn's and celiac -ve u/ s normal. Failure to thrive. Poor weight gain. Ongoing 6+yrs. Family history myriad autoimmune diseases. Cystic fibrosis. Paed gastroent is stumped. Pls help?
What does the exocrine portion of the pancreas produce?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
