CHRONIC PANCREATITIS AND DIABETES MELLITUS: CLINICAL COMPLICATIONS AND THE ROLE OF THE NURSING TEAM IN PROVIDING CARE TO ADULT PATIENTS

Abstract

The connection between diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic pancreatitis (PC) is commonly outlined as type 3c or pancreatogenic diabetes, which remains a clinical challenge, marked by ongoing pancreatic fibrosis, endocrine dysfunction, and exocrine insufficiency. In this context, nurses play a fundamental role in the care of these patients, for example, in pain management, nutrition, glycemic control, and education. This article aimed to address aspects related to chronic pancreatitis and diabetes, as well as clinical complications and the role of the nursing team in caring for adult patients. The methodology employed consisted of an integrative literature review, through searches of materials published between 2013 and 2024, available in virtual databases, in Portuguese and English, among which the following stand out: Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). Initially, forty-five studies were identified in the databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty articles were selected for full-text reading. In the end, ten studies comprised the final sample of this integrative review. The relevance of this review stems from the importance of highlighting the severity of the disease, providing insights into the complications and consequences for the individual, such as the need for education and specific assistance. The results showed that nurses play an essential role in the care of patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic pancreatitis, since this professional can provide education to the patient and family, through continuous monitoring, insulin administration, control of glucose levels, guidance on the severity and complications if treatment is not adequate, among other actions. In conclusion, even with advances in medicine, diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a pathology that causes concern and challenges scientific knowledge, leading to serious consequences such as pancreatitis. The nursing team can play a role in reducing complications and improving the quality of life for patients.