The interrelationship between the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas in health and disease

This article examines the theoretical aspects of the interaction between the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreas (P), as well as various pathologies illustrating these processes. The diseases covered include chronic pancreatitis (CP), acute pancreatitis (AP), diabetes mellitus (DM), pancreatic steatosis, and several others. Data on the prevalence of DM in various pancreatic pathologies and the incidence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in DM are provided. Risk factors for DM in pancreatic pathology are presented. The mechanisms of pathogenesis of these conditions are discussed, and the presented concepts are supported by experimental data. Additionally, several potential therapeutic interventions that may improve treatment efficacy in these conditions are discussed.