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5 facts about the pancreas - you need to know this!

30 lipca 2025
The pancreas is a very important organ that most of us associate mainly with diabetes and cancer. Yet its role in the human body is much broader and equally crucial. It is thanks to the pancreas that the body can regulate blood glucose levels and digest fats and proteins.

It is alarming how low the public awareness is about the pancreas. Symptoms of its diseases are often overlooked or attributed to other ailments. And yet, an early diagnosis can not only save lives but also significantly improve their quality.

The pancreas - an organ of two systems

The pancreas is part of both the digestive and endocrine systems – two vital systems. As an exocrine gland, it produces digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, and proteases), which are delivered to the duodenum to aid in food digestion. Without these, the digestion of fats and proteins would be significantly impaired.

In its endocrine function, the pancreas produces hormones – primarily insulin and glucagon, among others. These are crucial for regulating blood sugar levels, which is essential for the proper functioning of the whole body – particularly the brain, which relies on glucose for energy.

Any disruption to either of these functions can quickly affect the other. A clear example is chronic pancreatitis, which damages the cells that produce enzymes and hormones, ultimately leading to digestive difficulties and even secondary diabetes. Unlike the liver, the pancreas does not regenerate easily. Therefore, any damage – whether caused by disease or lifestyle – often has irreversible consequences.

Without a pancreas, you can’t digest fat

Healthy fats, though often demonized, are an essential part of the diet – but only if the body can properly digest and absorb them, which requires well-functioning organs. A key player here is pancreatic lipase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas.

Especially in cases of chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption syndrome can develop. Fats go undigested, leading to greasy, foul-smelling stools, and the body misses out on essential fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

In such situations, replacement therapy is necessary – taking pancreatic enzyme capsules with meals. Without this, deficiencies and weakened immunity may occur, requiring more intensive treatment. The same applies when fat digestion problems follow pancreatic removal. Patients then need to adjust their diet as well as the way they take medications.

Pancreas and diabetes go hand in hand

In principle, type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ in their pathogenesis, but both are closely linked to the pancreas and its function. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin, leading to its complete absence. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance, a gradual impairment of pancreatic function.

There is also secondary diabetes, which results from damage to the pancreas – most often due to inflammation, injury, or tumors, though many other causes are possible. Patients with chronic pancreatitis or those who have undergone a pancreatectomy are particularly at risk.

Both a lack of insulin and its improper action lead to hyperglycemia, which can damage blood vessels as well as the kidneys, eyes, and heart. Regular check-ups, including blood glucose monitoring, are essential. They should be taken seriously, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent disease progression.

The pancreas loves silence - perhaps too much

One of the biggest challenges with pancreatic diseases is their asymptomatic or nonspecific nature. Early stages of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer may only present mild symptoms – such as a feeling of fullness, nausea, mild abdominal pain, or decreased appetite, and rarely more alarming signs.

This is why pancreatic diseases are often diagnosed too late. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, with 80% of cases detected at an advanced stage. At that point, treatment options are limited.

It is worth paying attention to subtle signals, especially if there are persistent digestive issues and weight loss. Imaging and lab tests can help detect early warning signs. Recurrent pancreatitis should also not be ignored, as it often leads to permanent damage. Regular monitoring – and above all a healthy lifestyle – can achieve more than you might expect.

Lifestyle matters

Although we can’t control all pancreatic diseases, maintaining a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis plays a key role in prevention. The main harmful factors are alcohol consumption and smoking, as these substances damage the pancreas. They often cause pancreatic cancer or inflammation, along with many other diseases.

A balanced diet – low in saturated fats and high in fiber – is essential for pancreatic health. Alongside diet, regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight. All of these factors protect the pancreas from disease.

Equally important is monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure, especially in older age. Adequate fluid intake is also vital, as is avoiding long-term use of painkillers without consulting a doctor, since they can harm the digestive system, including the pancreas.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

FAQ: Pancreas

What is the pancreas and what does it do?

The pancreas is a gland located in the upper abdomen - it plays a key role in digestion and in regulating blood sugar levels. It secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine and hormones like insulin and glucagon that control the body’s carbohydrate metabolism.

What can cause pancreatic pain?

Pancreatic pain is most often caused by inflammation - which may be acute or chronic. Common causes include excessive alcohol intake, gallstones, injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications. The pain is typically severe, radiates to the back - and may worsen after meals.

What are the symptoms of a diseased pancreas?

In addition to pain, a diseased pancreas can cause digestive issues - like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss despite normal appetite. In advanced cases, symptoms of diabetes may also appear - such as increased thirst and frequent urination.

Can you live without a pancreas?

Yes, it?s possible to live without a pancreas. However, one must take digestive enzymes and insulin daily - as the body can no longer produce them. This requires strict discipline and ongoing medical supervision.

What foods should be avoided after pancreas removal?

A post-pancreatectomy diet should be light and well-balanced. Avoid fatty, fried foods, alcohol, sugar, heavily processed items - and hard-to-digest meals. Small, frequent meals with lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and easily digestible carbohydrates are recommended.

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