Prevalence of fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes in Chennai in South India

Abstract

Context: Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes is a form of diabetes secondary to chronic pancreatitis found in tropical, developing countries. There is no population based data on prevalence of fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes. Objective This paper reports on prevalence of fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes in Chennai in South India based on the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study. Results The prevalence of fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes is 0.36% (1:276) of all self reported diabetes and 0.019% (1:5,200) of the general population of Chennai. Conclusion: Although the frequency is low, diagnosis of fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes must be kept in mind in treating diabetic subjects in developing countries as its management would include management of pain, pancreatic enzyme supplements and periodic surveillance for pancreatic malignancy.