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  • Shared Experiences

    How do I look after myself following a pancreatectomy?

    Related Topics
    Cancer Digestive Health Endocrinology
    Total pancreatectomy has left me with brittle (unstable) diabetes.
    What is the best way to live with this?
    • 1 comment
    • Chris Fonda
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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    The pancreas has 2 main functions:

    • Releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to enable us to digest food and,
    • Release insulin (and other hormones) which control blood sugar levels

    When you have had your entire pancreas removed, your body can no longer perform the above functions. Mainstay treatment is with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (or PERT) to help digest your food, and insulin injections to control blood sugar levels after eating for life

    I would strongly recommend you seek expert advice from your doctor (endocrinologist) and an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). An APD is a university trained expert in the field of nutrition and can help you to manage your blood sugar levels and assist with maintaining adequate digestion. To find an APD head to the Dietitian's Association of Australia website (www.daa.asn.au)

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