The treatment of a failed pancreas depends on the cause of the failure. Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Medications used to treat a failed pancreas may include insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and sulfonylureas. Lifestyle changes that may help manage a failed pancreas include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Medications
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. People with a failed pancreas may need to take insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors are medications that help the body produce more insulin. Sulfonylureas are medications that help the body use insulin more effectively.
Lifestyle Changes
Managing a failed pancreas involves making lifestyle changes that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are all important lifestyle changes that can help manage a failed pancreas.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a failed pancreas. Possible surgical procedures include pancreas transplantation, partial pancreatectomy, and gastric bypass surgery. Each of these procedures carries risks and should be discussed with a doctor before deciding on a course of treatment.