Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.
The pancreas produces many of the enzymes used to break down food. Normally the pancreas is protected from theses enzymes, hence preventing it being self-digested.
If this protective system breaks down, the self-digestion of the pancreas causes it to become inflamed.
Pancreatitis has a number of causes including excessive alcohol intake and obstruction by a disease biliary tract.
Multiple attacks of acute Pancreatitis may lead to chronic Pancreatitis. A progressive decline in how well the pancreas works can also result in chronic Pancreatitis. A person with chronic Pancreatitis will be at high risk of malnutrition; typically due to a reduced dietary intake combined with an inability to absorb nutrients effectively.
As the pancreas also produces insulin, it is not uncommon for people with chronic Pancreatitis to develop diabetes mellitus and therefore this requires additional dietary modification to optimise blood sugar levels.
If a low fat diet or low sugar diet is appropriate it should be advised upon by a Dietitian to ensure that the energy content of the diet is not compromised. Appropriate dietary advice is important to help maintain nutritional status.
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