Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement and Glucose Regulation in Type 1 Diabetes

Recent studies have demonstrated reduced pancreatic volume is present within months of T1D diagnosis in children, adolescents, and adults. As the pancreatic beta cells constitute only 1-2% of the pancreas, the degree of reduction in pancreas volume at disease onset suggests exocrine involvement, challenging the established paradigm of T1D being solely a disease of the endocrine pancreas.

To date there has not been an investigation of the potential for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in the management of T1D. In individuals with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, enzyme replacement has been shown to reduce post-prandial glycemia excursions, which are reflected in improved GLP-1 responses to mixed meal tolerance testing. As post-prandial excursions and glucose variability are a significant challenge in T1D, how enzyme replacement may impact these parameters is an important question.

The investigators hypothesize that patients with T1DM who have reduced pancreatic volume will have improved glycemic responsiveness, reduced hypoglycemia, and improved symptoms of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency when treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement (CREON).