Exocrine pancreatic function in diabetes mellitus.

The exocrine pancreas and pancreatic islet system have a multitude of complex anatomical and functional interrelations. In insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, both exocrine pancreatic function and morphology appear to be altered, although this phenomenon and its responsible mechanisms have not been elucidated in detail in humans. However, reduced pancreatic secretion in insulin-dependent diabetes is not likely to result in impaired intraluminal nutrient digestion. Whether, the changes in exocrine pancreatic function and morphology are a result of disturbed islet (beta-cell) function or are due to a common immunological pathogenesis, as suggested by recent studies, remains to be clarified.