What is a common complication of chronic pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis often leads to the destruction of pancreatic tissue and a decline in the organ's ability to produce essential hormones and enzymes. One significant complication arising from this condition is diabetes mellitus. The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin; when it becomes damaged from chronic inflammation, insulin production is compromised. This leads to insulin deficiency and subsequently diabetes mellitus, which can be a direct result of prolonged pancreatic damage.

While chronic pancreatitis can have other implications such as malabsorption due to lack of digestive enzymes or potential complications related to nutrient deficiencies, the development of diabetes mellitus is particularly notable as it reflects a direct failure of the pancreas to perform its endocrine function.