Contributed by -Healthians Team
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, behind the stomach and nestled among the liver, spleen and gallbladder. Its shape has been described as everything from a pear to a tadpole.
The pancreas produces a number of enzymes necessary to digest food and keep blood sugar levels in check. Therefore, you need pancreas in its healthiest state for your body to function normally.
But, there are a lot of factors that can influence the health of your pancreas and lead to some serious complications. To avoid that, understanding the role of the pancreas can help.
What is the role of the pancreas?
A healthy pancreas produces correct substances at the right time, in the right quantities to digest the food you eat and to regulate the blood sugar levels. The substances produced are of two types – enzymes and hormones. Based on that, the role of the pancreas can be divided into two types – exocrine function and endocrine function.
The exocrine function of the pancreas
The exocrine glands of the pancreas produce enzymes that aid the digestion process. These enzymes include –
- Trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins
- Amylase to digest carbohydrates
- Lipase to break down fats
As soon as the food enters the stomach, the enzymes are produced and through the system of ducts they reach the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine.
The endocrine function of the pancreas
Endocrine component of the pancreas creates and releases hormones directly into the bloodstream. The two main hormones produced here are –
- Insulin – It acts to lower blood sugar
- Glucagon – It acts to raise blood sugar
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important to keep key organs like the brain, liver and kidneys functioning normally. And for that to happen, the healthy functioning of the pancreas is important.
Is there something wrong with your pancreas?
In case there’s any pancreatic disorder, the following symptoms may be noticed –
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- High blood sugar levels
- Jaundice
- Rapid pulse
- Thirst
- Hunger
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
What are the common disorders of the pancreas?
A number of disorders can appear if your pancreas isn’t functioning the way it should. Some of these disorders are –
Pancreatitis
It is a condition caused by swelling and death of the tissues of the pancreas. It occurs when pancreatic enzyme secretions buildup and begin to digest the organ itself. Mumps, gallstones, trauma and the use of alcohol, steroids and drugs can also result in pancreatitis. The painful attacks may occur suddenly and last for a few days or it may be chronic and progress over a period of time. Common symptoms of pancreatitis to look out for are intense abdominal pain, tenderness, swelling, fever and muscle aches.
Pancreatic cancer
The exact cause of cancer in the pancreas is unknown. But it is often associated with smoking and heavy drinking. Other risk factors are diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, liver problems and stomach infections. Pain in the upper abdomen, jaundice, loss of appetite and significant weight loss are few of the symptoms to look out for. Although early detection of pancreatic cancer is difficult as symptoms don’t usually appear unless cancer has progressed into the advanced stages.
Diabetes
Malfunctioning of the pancreas can cause both the types of diabetes (diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2). In diabetes type 1 the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells of the pancreas. As a result, insulin production gets hampered.
And in diabetes type 2, the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells become unable to process glucose. So the pancreas reacts by producing extra insulin. But in some time, it is no longer able to produce enough insulin and the blood sugar levels go out of control.
How to keep the pancreas healthy?
To keep your pancreas healthy and avoid any complications, simply take care of the following points –
- Don’t consume more than 20 grams of fat a day
- Avoid alcohol
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Eat foods high in protein
If you happen to notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a pancreatic disorder, then consult with a doctor without any delay. Moreover, you can take the diabetes test and a full-body health test to accurately understand how well your body is functioning.
