Many people believe diabetesonly develops as type 1, an autoimmune disorder, or type 2, which is heavily influenced by dietand lifestyle factors.However, there are multipletypes of diabetes and the lesser known type 3c is often misdiagnosed, according to experts.

Not to be confused with type 3 diabetes, which affects people with Alzheimer’s disease, type 3c only happens when an illness or condition damages the pancreas. A number of conditions have been linked to type 3c diabetes but it can also develop if you’ve had part or all of your pancreas removed.

The damage to the pancreas that causes type 3c means it stops producing enough insulin for the body, like other types of diabetes. However, it might also stop producing other enzymes that you need to properly digest, too.

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Because of this, treatment often looks a bit different to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This means a misdiagnosis could be even more detrimental.

Diabetes UK notes: “Although it's different to other types, you can get a wrong diagnosis of type 2 because type 3c isn't as well known and the term 3c isn't always used.

“Your doctor should be aware of your pancreatic issues if they're testing you for diabetes. But make sure you mention it to them so that they know that you're at risk for type 3c.”

Conditions linked to type 3c diabetes:

• Acute pancreatitis


• Chronic pancreatitis


• Pancreatic cancer


• Cystic fibrosis


• Heamochromatosis

Treatment for type 3c diabetes heavily depends on how severe the damage to your pancreas is. This can include metformin or insulin treatment and you may need to be monitored more closely by your healthcare team.

Some common symptoms of type 3c diabetes include:

• Losing weight without trying to


• Stomach pain


• Feeling more tired than usual


• Frequently passing wind


• Diarrhoea


• Fatty or oily stools


• Hypoglycaemia, also called low blood sugar

It’s best to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms or have any concerns. Diabetes UK and organisations Pancreatic Cancer UK, Haemochromatosis UK and Cystic Fibrosis Trust can offer support for the illness and the other conditions linked to it.

Type 1 diabetes means you don’t get any insulin from your pancreas and can be genetic. It’s usually treated by injecting insulin. Type 2 on the other hand starts when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin or not enough if being made. This can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes or medications like metformin.