Diabetes and pancreas are closely linked to each other and most diabetic and pancreatic problems occur together. If your pancreas is in good condition your chances of getting diabetes is vastly reduced. On the other hand, if your pancreas fails, then you will surely be a victim of diabetes.

The pancreas is a very small organ about 85 gms located under the stomach very close to the duodenum. The word pancreas is derived from a Greek word meaning “all meat”, which points to the protein content in the organ.

The two main functions of pancreas are to aid digestion and regulate energy in the body.

Pancreas helps in producing the right amount of insulin such that the glucose levels are maintained at a constant level in the body. The endocrine gland of the pancreas is responsible for insulin hormone secretion into the blood stream. There is another gland called the exocrine that releases digestive enzymes into duodenum. These enzymes are used to break up proteins, starch and fat that is present in the food that is eaten.

The cells that produce insulin in the pancreas are known as beta cells or islet cells of Langerhans. A healthy pancreas has close to a million islet cells.

Each of these cells produces insulin and the total weight of these cells would be less than 1.5 grams. But though the pancreas is a small organ it is a very vital organ for the body’s energy needs.

Glucose is the main source of energy to the body and insulin helps to open the cells so that glucose can enter inside and be converted to energy. Glucose can also be stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles for future use by cells. Thus the two main sources of blood sugar are the food that is consumed through meals and the glycogen that is stored in the liver.

Insulin plays a major role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat. After a person eats the nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins are broken down and absorbed by the blood stream.

When the blood glucose levels increase, for example after a heavy meal, the pancreas starts secreting more insulin so that it can aid glucose absorption by the cells. The pancreas also secretes another hormone called glucagon when the blood sugar levels drop below normal. When glucagon is released in increases the amount of sugar in the blood by converting the glycogen stored in the liver and muscles.

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