Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes

Abstract

Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) is a unique form of diabetes reported from tropical countries, associated with both endocrine and exocrine disease of the pancreas. The pre-diabetic phase of the disease is called tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP). Currently FCPD is classified as a secondary form of diabetes called pancreatic diabetes, because essentially the disease is caused by pancreatic damage. There is an overlap of these subjects with idiopathic, non-alcoholic pancreatitis. This review will cover the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management of this clinical condition. FCPD could lead to endocrine dysfunction (diabetes and its complications) as well as exocrine dysfunction, and is associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, for which early detection is important.