Diseases of the pancreas

Pancreatic diseases are diseases that affect the pancreas, an organ in most vertebrates and in humans and other mammals located in the abdomen. The pancreas plays a role in the digestive and endocrine system, producing enzymes which aid the digestion process and the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. The most common pancreatic disease is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas which could come in acute or chronic form. Other pancreatic diseases include diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, pseudocysts, cysts, congenital malformations, tumors including pancreatic cancer, and hemosuccus pancreaticus.

The pancreas supplies digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid so the enzymes can work properly in the intestine. Pancreatic insufficiency causes foul-smelling, bulky bowel movements, malnutrition and slowed growth and development. The pancreas also releases key hormones into the bloodstream. Some hormones produced in the islet cells of the pancreas and their effects are: insulin – lowers blood sugar; glucagon – raises blood sugar; somatostatin – inhibits many cells. If the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are damaged, patients may develop diabetes.