Radiological evaluation of the pancreas in malnutrition-related (phasic insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus.

This study was undertaken to investigate pancreatic changes associated with phasic insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (PIDDM). Twelve PIDDM patients were studied. They were compared with groups of patients, 10 insulin dependent (IDDM), 10 non-insulin dependent (NIDDM), and 10 normal controls. Each group was matched for age, sex, and body mass index. For the study, the mean age was 56.7 +/- 2.5 years, mean body mass index 24.0 +/- 0.8, and mean duration of diabetes 14.2 +/- 2.2 years. Flat abdominal radiograph and ultrasonography were performed on each participant. The results suggest an increased echogenicity of the pancreas in the phasic insulin dependent group of patients.