What is Pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen which helps with the digestion of food and converting it into fuel for the cells. It is also the organ which regulates the blood sugar. It is located behind the stomach surrounded by the liver, spleen and the small intestine.
Functions of the Pancreas
The pancreas produces the enzymes which digest the food we eat, including those which digest the proteins and carbohydrates and to break down the fats. It is also responsible to produce insulin, which lowers the blood sugar, and glucagon which raises the blood sugar. It is important to maintain the blood sugar levels in the body as these help with the functioning of the brain, liver and kidneys.
Conditions affecting the pancreas
Pancreatitis
This is a condition in which the Pancreas are inflamed due to the build-up of the pancreatic enzymes. This build up causes the organ to digest itself, a condition which causes painful attacks over a period of days or years.
Pancreatic Cancer
Many a times tumours begin to form on the walls of the pancreas or within the pancreas itself. This condition is harmful as it is hard to detect. It can spread within the abdomen and can prove life threatening too.
Diabetes and your pancreas
Due to condition arising within the human body, the pancreas sometimes is unable to produce insulin. This causes glucose to build up in the blood stream, leading to a condition called diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is largely a genetic condition. This condition causes the pancreas to stop insulin production early on in life. This condition needs the administration of insulin externally.
Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance. This can arise due to environmental factors, stress or genetic condition. The body produces insulin but is unable to use it properly. Oral medication can help in this condition. But advanced symptoms need to be treated with insulin therapy.
Pancreas specialist in Delhi
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| Pancreas specialist in Delhi |
Today’s lifestyle is proving to be detrimental to the human body. Long workhours, unhealthy eating habits, stress levels and pollution are all taking a toll on the human body. This is leading to a rise in diseases like pancreatitis and lifestyle disorders like diabetes. To treat such a delicate organ in the human body, you need specialists who can treat the root cause of the disease, and not just the symptoms.
