Understanding Pancreatitis and EPI: Diet, Testing & Talking to Your Doctor
Created with the HealthUnlocked Pancreatitis Community
If you’re managing chronic pancreatitis (CP) or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), understanding your diagnosis and making informed diet choices is incredibly important.
In this Healthunlocked Q&A, Dr. Hernandez-Barco, a Medical Pancreatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, answers some of the most common questions patients have about testing, follow-up care, and diet.
At Mission: Cure, we believe the most impactful resources come from a combination of lived experience and expert insight. That’s why we offer, host, and moderate the HealthUnlocked Pancreatitis Community, a space where patients, caregivers, and family members share their questions, stories, and support.
This video was created in direct response to questions submitted through a community post, poll, or survey, conducted periodically. Your input helps us focus on the issues that matter most, whether that’s managing daily symptoms, factors impacting quality of life, navigating complications and emotional challenges, or finding practical ways to cope.
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Questions Covered in This Video
- What diagnostic tests and procedures are commonly used for CP and EPI?
- Why are regular follow-up appointments important for managing my condition?
- What dietary guidelines should I follow with CP or EPI?
- How can I maintain a balanced diet while managing symptoms, and why does nutrition matter?
- Are there specific foods or ingredients I should avoid to reduce symptoms?
Yasmin Hernandez-Barco, MD
Dr. Hernandez-Barco is a Medical Pancreatologist and Director of the Pancreatitis Treatment Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She is also an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
>> Find out more about the Pancreatitis Treatment Center
Why HealthUnlocked Matters
The HealthUnlocked platform offers a supportive, moderated space where people living with pancreatitis can:
- Share openly while protecting their identity
- Ask questions and get practical, real-life answers
- Connect with others who truly understand
- Help shape resources like this one by participating in community discussions, polls, and surveys
The voices of this community are central to every video, guide, and tool we create. When you participate, you’re not just advocating for yourself, you’re helping others find answers and connection, too.
Keep the Conversation Going
- Watch the video
- Share it with someone who might benefit
- Join the HealthUnlocked community and be part of the next post, poll, or survey that inspires new content
Explore More Resources
Looking for more support and information?
Mission: Cure offers a growing library of free webinars and tools to help people living with chronic or recurrent pancreatitis manage symptoms, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
Check out our past webinars featuring experts in pain management, nutrition, mental health, and more
Browse our pain management resources for tips, strategies, and research-backed approaches to navigating pancreatitis-related pain
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for new strategies, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
About Mission: Cure
At Mission: Cure, we are dedicated to finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for pancreatitis. Through patient education, research, and advocacy, we strive to improve the lives of those affected by this condition.
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