Pancreas
Two organs in one. The pancreas has dual roles: producing hormones (insulin, glucagon) for blood sugar control and secreting digestive enzymes to break down food. Problems here cause diabetes or digestive insufficiency—or both.
Dual Functions
Endocrine (Hormones)
Islets of Langerhans secrete insulin (lowers blood sugar), glucagon (raises blood sugar), and somatostatin.
Exocrine (Enzymes)
Acinar cells produce digestive enzymes: lipase (fats), amylase (carbs), proteases (proteins).
Pancreatic Hormones
Insulin (Beta Cells)
- Function: Lowers blood sugar
- Mechanism: Moves glucose into cells
- Deficiency: Type 1 diabetes
- Resistance: Type 2 diabetes
Glucagon (Alpha Cells)
- Function: Raises blood sugar
- Mechanism: Releases glucose from liver
- Triggered by: Low blood sugar
- Balance: Counter-regulates insulin
Digestive Enzymes
Lipase
Breaks down fats. Requires bile for optimal function. Low levels = fat malabsorption.
Amylase
Breaks down starches to sugars. Also produced by salivary glands.
Trypsin/Chymotrypsin
Break down proteins. Secreted as inactive precursors. Activated in small intestine.
Bicarbonate
Neutralizes stomach acid. Creates optimal pH for enzyme function. Essential for digestion.
Phospholipase
Breaks down phospholipids. Important for fat digestion and absorption.
Nucleases
Break down nucleic acids from food. DNA and RNA digestion.
When It Goes Wrong
Type 1 Diabetes
Autoimmune destruction of beta cells. No insulin production. Requires insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance, beta cell exhaustion. Pancreas can't keep up with demand.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of pancreas. Acute or chronic. Enzymes activate inside organ.
Exocrine Insufficiency
Low enzyme production. Fat malabsorption, steatorrhea. Nutrient deficiencies.
Pancreatic Cancer
Often silent until advanced. Poor prognosis. Risk factors: smoking, diabetes, pancreatitis.
Cystic Fibrosis
Thick mucus blocks ducts. Enzyme deficiency. Requires enzyme replacement.
Supporting Pancreas Health
Blood Sugar Balance
Avoid blood sugar spikes. Reduces beta cell stress. Lower glycemic foods.
Chromium
Improves insulin sensitivity. Reduces pancreas workload. Often deficient.
Digestive Enzymes
Supplemental enzymes if insufficient. Reduces pancreas burden. Improves digestion.
Avoid Excess Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to pancreas. Major cause of pancreatitis. Limit consumption.
Antioxidants
Protect pancreatic cells. Alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E. Reduce oxidative stress.
Healthy Fats
Avoid trans fats. Omega-3s reduce inflammation. Support overall function.