Select play to watch this short video about Pancreatic Neuroendocrine tumours by Professor Martyn Caplin.

Click “Play” to view Clinical Nurse Specialist, Mike Tadman’s insightful presentation from the 2020 NCUK Virtual Summit: “Spotlight on Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancers – 2020.”

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) & Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

• Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI) can lead to malnutrition due to nutrient malabsorption, underlying pancreatic disease effects, and symptom impact on oral intake. Symptoms include steatorrhea (pale, fatty/greasy, loose stools), weight loss, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
• Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is the primary treatment and significantly improves survival and quality of life (QoL) in PEI patients.
• Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the cornerstone of treatment and is associated with improved survival and quality of life (QoL) in patients with PEI.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting insulin production and usage, crucial for regulating blood glucose. The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, hormones that maintain blood sugar levels.

In the UK:

• 4 million people (1 in 15) are diagnosed with diabetes.
• Up to 1 million more are undiagnosed.
• 1 in 5 people with cancer also have diabetes.
  Diabetes can develop before or after a cancer diagnosis, or due to cancer or its treatment. Types
• 1 and 2 are the most common, but Type 3 is often underestimated and undiagnosed, causing challenging swings in blood glucose levels.

For the neuroendocrine cancer community, managing diabetes can be particularly complex. Understanding the connection and seeking appropriate care is vital.