Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas, irritating the cells of your pancreas and causing inflammation.

Observational studies have found an increased risk of acute pancreatitis among type 2 diabetic patients.

Dr. James Carlson says, “Backing off on carbs will help the pancreas heal because it will not have to create the enzymes needed for carb digestion; and since insulin is also created by the pancreas, this secretion will be less as well. Thus, backing off on carbs will help the pancreas get its well-needed rest and will be beneficial in this disease. Of course, the individual will stay on a restricted-carb regimen for the rest of their life, not just while they treat the pancreatitis.”

References

Gonzalez-Perez, Antonio, BPHARM, MSC; Raymond G. Schlienger, PHD, MPH; and Luis A. García Rodríguez, MD, MSC. “Acute Pancreatitis in Association With Type 2 Diabetes and Antidiabetic Drugs,” Diabetes Care 2 010 Dec; 33(12): 2580-2585. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc10-0842. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/33/12/2580 (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Carlson, Dr. James. “My Response To A Question About Low Carbs and Pancreatitis,” Dr. James Carlson (December 12, 2009). https://drjamescarlson.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-response-to-question-about-low-carbs.html (accessed on 8/3/2020).