The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach but in front of the spine. Its function is to produce juices that help to break down hormones and food that help to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas also has a role in diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas are no longer able to make insulin because they are being attacked by the body’s immune system. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas loses the function of secreting enough insulin in response to meals. Pancreatic problems can lead to other health problems. These include:
- Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, which happens when digestive enzymes begin digesting the pancreas itself (link to http://www.mayoclinic.org/dise
ases-conditions/pancreatitis/ basics/definition/CON- 20028421?p=1)
- Pancreatic cancer (link to http://www.mayoclinic.org/dise
ases-conditions/pancreatic- cancer/basics/definition/CON- 20028153?p=1)
- Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder where thick, sticky mucus can block tubes in the pancreas (link to http://www.lung.org/lung-he
alth-and-diseases/lung-disease -lookup/cystic-fibrosis/)
Start Here (Introduction)
- Common Disorders of the Pancreas(National Pancreas Foundation)
Diagnosis
- Amylase Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) (Nat
ional Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) Available in Spanish - Gastrin: The Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Lipase Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Trypsinogen Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Treatments and Therapies
- Complementary Pancreatitis Therapies(National Pancreas Foundation)