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What is Diabetes?

What is the Function of the Pancreas?

Diabetes Complication

High Risk Group?

How to Prevent & Control?

Why Prevention is Better than Cure?

Diabetes Management

What is the function of the pancreas?

The pancreas is small gland (weighing less than 8oz) located close to the stomach. The pancreas has two main functions. It contains clusters of cells (islets of Langerhans) that secrete the pancreatic endocrine hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream in order to regulate blood glucose levels. In addition, the pancreas plays an important role in food digestion,secreting enzymes that break down fat,starch and proteins in the small intestine (duodenum).

How the pancreas regulates blood glucose

The pancreas contains thousands of clusters of cells (islets of Langerhaans) - divided into two types,beta cells and alpha cells that secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. Whtn glucose levels in the bloodstream rise - eg. after eating - the pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin.The insulin stimulates cells in the body to grab the passing glucose,leading toa fall in blood glucose levels. The insulin also instructs the liver to grab glucose and convert it into the glucose-reserve known as glycogen. Conversely, when glucose levels in the bloodstream fall below a set point, alpha cells in the pancreas release the hormone glucagon which tells the liver to re-convert glycogen back to glucose and release it into the bloodstream. These two pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucogon,help to maintain blood glucose levels within heathy parameters.

The pancreas is usually described either by the function of its cells or by its parts. It has two functional components:

	Endocrine cells (also known as the islets of Langerhans or islet cells). "Endo" means within. There are about 100,000 endocrine cells scattered throughout the pancreas. They are responsible for producing and secreting hormones into the bloodstream, including insulin and glucagon. These hormones maintain proper glucose levels within the bloodstream and help the body use that sugar for energy within the cells.

	Exocrine cells (also known as acinar cells or non-endocrine cells). "Exo" means outward. These cells make up the majority of the pancreas. They produce and transport proteins (known as enzymes) and fluids that assist in digestion and leave the body by way of the digestive system.

The pancreas also can be categorized by its five sections:

	Head. The gland's widest part.

	Neck. Located between the gland's head and body.

	Body. Found between the neck and tail, this part is located in front of the superior mesenteric arteries and veins, which supply the intestines with blood.

	Tail. The thin tip, found near the spleen.

	Uncinate process. This part bends backward and is found underneath the pancreas' body. The superior mesenteric arteries and veins cross in front of this part.