Morphological Pancreatic Features in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Hypothesis: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with pancreatic fibrosis that can be evaluated by minimally invasive imaging techniques. That fibrosis is associated with alteration of exocrine pancreatic function, defined as a reduced secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the development of nutritional deficiencies.To test that hypothesis, a prospective, observational, cross-sectional, comparative, case-control study has been designed.Pancreatic fibrosis will be evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound and quantitative elastography in cases (type-2 diabetes) and age-gender-matched controls without diabetes.Pancreatic function will be explored by fecal elastase test and nutritional evaluation.Calculated sample size is 94 patients (47 cases and 47 controls). Study period is 2 years.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients older than 18 years.Undergoing an upper endoscopic ultrasound for any indication other than pancreatic disease.Signed informed consent-Patients: Previous diagnosis of type-2 diabetes mellitus.Controls: Nondiabetic subjects, matched by age, gender, alcohol consumption, and smoking with patients.Exclusion Criteria:History of pancreatic disease or surgery.History of upper gastrointestinal surgery.Diabetes type other than type-2.Severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease.Lack of informed consent.