Does acute pancreatitis affect the rise in blood sugar?

Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
Updated on March 01, 2025
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After the onset of acute pancreatitis, pathological changes occur in the pancreas, affecting both its endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine function includes the secretion of insulin, which can lead to insulin resistance, impacting glucose metabolism and causing an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, after admission, it is routine to monitor the blood sugar levels of patients with acute pancreatitis and manage insulin resistance. Additionally, due to the increased blood sugar levels, there is a higher risk of infection in these patients. Depending on the cause of the condition, targeted treatment is necessary along with the early use of antibiotics to control the progression of pancreatitis, reduce the rate of infections, and promote recovery of the body.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Differences between acute pancreatitis and acute gastritis

Acute pancreatitis and acute gastritis have somewhat similar symptoms, but there are fundamental differences between them. The onset of pancreatitis is often considered to be caused by biliary, alcoholic sources, or hyperlipidemia, while acute gastritis is mostly related to the stomach being affected by the cold and gastric erosion causing gastritis. During a symptom attack, a comprehensive diagnosis should be made by combining the patient's previous medical history and the characteristics of the symptom onset, as well as laboratory tests and imaging findings. The treatment of acute pancreatitis and acute gastritis also shows distinct differences: acute pancreatitis requires fasting, abstention from drinking, acid suppression, use of magnesium, and correction of fluid and electrolyte balances, along with regular check-ups to prevent the development of pancreatitis. On the other hand, treatment for acute gastritis involves acid suppression and, when necessary, gastric protection.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What can be eaten during the recovery period of acute pancreatitis?

Patients with acute pancreatitis in the recovery phase should start to eat some sugary liquid diets, beginning with easily digestible sugary foods. Generally, it is recommended to transition from liquid to semi-liquid diets, and then to a normal regular diet. However, patients with acute pancreatitis in the recovery phase should still avoid overeating and consuming too greasy foods. They should also abstain from alcohol and avoid eating overly fatty foods such as meat fried noodles, fried rice with eggs, and braised pork. These foods should be largely avoided, while increasing the intake of protein-rich foods for the patient.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can you drink water with acute pancreatitis?

During the acute attack of acute pancreatitis, it is essential to immediately prohibit eating and drinking, as it may exacerbate the condition. Once the abdominal pain disappears and the body temperature normalizes, one can gradually resume eating and drinking, starting with small amounts of water and liquid food. However, it is also necessary to avoid consumption of meats and protein-rich foods. Additionally, if eating prompts a relapse of the condition, it indicates that the prohibition of eating and drinking should continue. If patients with pancreatitis resume eating and drinking too soon, it can lead to a worsening of the condition.

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General Surgery
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Does acute pancreatitis have anything to do with the stomach?

Acute pancreatitis is not closely related to stomach conditions, although it is sometimes associated with overeating, but it is not caused by stomach diseases in patients. Instead, it relates to lifestyle habits. The occurrence of pancreatitis is often considered to be due to biliary, alcoholic, hyperlipidemia, and idiopathic causes. In China, the most common causes are biliary and alcohol-related. Biliary causes are mainly related to gallstones, while alcohol-related causes are mostly associated with drinking. Common stomach diseases include gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. These conditions can sometimes cause an increase in amylase during acute abdominal conditions, but they do not cause acute pancreatitis.

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Is it normal to have a fever with acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis often occurs following gallstones, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol consumption. Patients with acute pancreatitis sometimes exhibit clear symptoms, including fever. This is due to the significant inflammatory irritation and the extravasation of pancreatic juices, causing infection and effusion around the pancreatic tissue. If not treated promptly, the fever may persist. Therefore, after diagnosing acute pancreatitis, treatments such as dietary restrictions, gastrointestinal decompression, enzyme inhibition, acid suppression, correction of fluid and electrolyte balance, and anti-infection measures should be taken. These treatments can delay or alleviate the progression of acute pancreatitis and help the patient's body recover sooner, thereby reducing the fever.