A 35-year-old female presents with weight loss, diarrhea, and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. She has a history of recurrent acute pancreatitis. What could be the cause of her symptoms and the appropriate management?
This patient's symptoms suggest pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and diabetes mellitus, likely secondary to her history of recurrent acute pancreatitis leading to chronic pancreatitis. The pancreas' endocrine and exocrine functions are affected, leading to these symptoms. Management includes pancreatic enzyme replacement to help with digestion, a low-fat diet, and management of diabetes with insulin or other glucose-lowering medications.