Type 3c diabetes involves loss of pancreatic polypeptides.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It involves exocrine pancreas
• D. It is defined by beta cell loss

Answer: (A)

Pancreatic polypeptide is produced by PP cells in the pancreatic islets. Type 3c diabetes arises from disease of the exocrine pancreas—such as pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, or pancreatic cancer—that damages pancreatic tissue including parts of the endocrine islets. When the pancreas is damaged, the PP-producing cells are affected, leading to a loss of pancreatic polypeptide. Thus the statement is true. This condition is driven by exocrine pancreatic disease with accompanying islet cell loss, rather than being defined solely by beta cell destruction.