The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It has dual roles: as a digestive system organ it produces juices that help break down your food in particular protein and, it makes the hormone insulin that helps to control your blood sugar levels.
Some problems that affect the pancreas include: acute and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself), pancreatic cancer, type 1 and type 2 diabetes (conditions in which your body can’t control the amount of glucose in your blood) and cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky mucus can also block tubes in your pancreas).
Acute pancreatitis may be treated by giving intravenous fluids through a drip, painkillers, medications or gallstone removal. Chronic pancreatitis is treated with lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes surgery. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery may be recommended for pancreatic cancer depending upon the stage of the cancer. There isn't a cure for type 1 diabetes but it is controlled by taking insulin and making simple lifestyle changes. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is aimed at controlling your blood glucose level including medicines, lifestyle changes and insulin.
