The pancreas is a long, flat gland that can be found behind your stomach. It plays an important role in digestion and in regulating blood sugar levels. It does this by producing insulin, digestive juices, and hormones that help digestion. Digestive juices are produced in a section known as the exocrine pancreas while hormones and insulin are produced in the endocrine pancreas. Specialized cells within the pancreas then release insulin directly into the bloodstream. Insulin helps keep blood sugar at a stable level and if the level of sugar in the blood is too high, it will create more insulin. If it is too low, then it will generate less.
Health Issues to Look Out For
As you can see, the pancreas plays an important role in maintaining your overall health. However, when it is not functioning correctly, it can cause health issues that need to be treated.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the most common health issue associated with the pancreas. It is a chronic condition that impacts the amount of insulin that is created by your body. If there isn’t enough insulin in your body, too much blood sugar accumulates in your bloodstream. This can eventually lead to kidney disease, heart disease, or even vision loss.
There are two different types of diabetes. Type 1 is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from making insulin. While this equates to only around 5-10% of people with diabetes, symptoms can develop quickly and it is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. There is no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes and people with this type need to take insulin every day to maintain a healthy life.
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults as it can take many years to develop. This is much more common than Type 1 diabetes and accounts for 90-95% of people with diabetes. Luckily, there are many ways that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or treated through weight loss, healthy eating habits, and an active lifestyle.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas. The most common type of pancreatic cancer forms in the cells that line the ducts that transport digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. This form of cancer is known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include a loss of appetite or unintended weight loss, abdominal pain that radiates to the back, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, blood clots, fatigue, or a new diagnosis of diabetes.
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often caught at late stages when it has already spread to other organs. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of all three.
If you have symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are many other health issues that can cause similar symptoms and testing may be required to see what the underlying problem is. Please do not hesitate to give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.