The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach. It is responsible for insulin production and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Without the pancreas, it is difficult to balance the levels of consumed glucose.
Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels spike abnormally. It happens because there is an insufficient supply of insulin in the pancreas. Once the organ malfunctions, insulin production is halted. This calls for immediate insulin shots to stabilize blood glucose levels.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type is an autoimmune condition. It means that the body’s immune system mistakenly damages the cells responsible for insulin production. When this happens, the organ weakens. It halts the organ’s capacity to produce the needed hormone. This also explains why insulin treatment is necessary for individuals with the condition.
Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance occurs in individuals with this condition. Once it happens, the pancreas will produce more insulin than it normally does. Complications can occur if the organ cannot meet the demand of the needed insulin supply to balance blood sugar levels.
Complications
Pancreatic Cancer
Experts believe that this condition can develop when a person has been living with diabetes for more than five years without any established treatment. Some of the factors leading to this condition are obesity, aging, and genetic circumstances.
Pancreatitis
This condition is categorized into two. The first is acute pancreatitis. It is not considered dangerous as it will disappear after administering a proper treatment. Meanwhile, the chronic form of this condition can impair the cells. The chronic condition also causes diabetes to develop. Its symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.
Takeaway
Managing your blood glucose helps in keeping your pancreas healthy. Individuals who continue their insulin treatment can prevent episodes of diabetes attacks and prevent diabetes-related complications. Please talk with your doctor about the importance of the pancreas and how you can better take care of it to stay healthy and functioning.
