Visceral Fat Predicts New-Onset Diabetes After Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Pancreas. 2024 Mar 1;53(3):e240-e246. doi: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000002292. Epub 2024 Jan 25.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to estimate the incidence of new-onset diabetes (NOD) and identify risk factors for NOD in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP).

Methods: Necrotizing pancreatitis patients were reviewed for NOD, diagnosed >90 days after acute pancreatitis. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical outcomes, computed tomography (CT) characteristics of necrotic collections, and CT-derived abdominal fat measurements were analyzed to identify predictors for NOD.

Results: Among 390 eligible NP patients (66% men; median age, 51 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36-64) with a median follow-up of 400 days (IQR, 105-1074 days), NOD developed in 101 patients (26%) after a median of 216 days (IQR, 92-749 days) from NP. Of the NOD patients, 84% required insulin and 69% developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.98), male sex (OR, 2.7), obesity (OR, 2.1), presence of EPI (OR, 2.7), and diffuse pancreatic necrosis (OR, 2.4) were independent predictors. In a separate multivariable model assessing abdominal fat on CT, visceral fat area (highest quartile) was an independent predictor for NOD (OR, 3.01).

Conclusions: New-onset diabetes was observed in 1 of 4 patients with NP, most within the first year and requiring insulin. Male sex, obesity, diffuse pancreatic necrosis, development of EPI, and high visceral adiposity identified those at highest risk.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus* / epidemiology
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulins*
  • Intra-Abdominal Fat / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing* / epidemiology

Substances

  • Insulins