Pancreas | Enzymes and Diseases

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on one of the most vital organs in your body – the pancreas. In today’s video, we’ll walk you through the anatomy, functions, and enzymes produced by the pancreas, as well as explore some common and serious diseases associated with it, including pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer.

What is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is an elongated gland situated behind the stomach and nestled between the small intestine and the spleen. It has two major functions that are essential for maintaining both digestive health and blood sugar regulation:

Exocrine Function: Producing digestive enzymes.
Endocrine Function: Releasing hormones like insulin and glucagon.
How Does the Pancreas Work?
Let’s break down the two main roles of the pancreas:

1. The Exocrine Function
The exocrine component of the pancreas is responsible for producing and secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine. These enzymes help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from the food we eat.

Amylase: This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates (starches) into sugars, which can then be absorbed by the body.
Lipase: Responsible for breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, allowing the body to absorb dietary fats.
Proteases: These enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, break down proteins into amino acids, making them digestible and usable by the body for various functions.
The pancreas also produces bicarbonate, which helps neutralize stomach acid as the food moves from the stomach to the small intestine.

2. The Endocrine Function
The endocrine function of the pancreas is equally important. Specialized clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans are responsible for releasing hormones that regulate blood sugar levels:

Insulin: Helps lower blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used for energy or stored for later use.
Glucagon: Works in the opposite way of insulin by raising blood sugar levels when they drop too low, especially during fasting or strenuous physical activity.
Together, insulin and glucagon maintain a stable blood sugar level, which is crucial for energy and overall health.

Common Pancreatic Diseases
Now that we’ve covered the normal functions of the pancreas, let’s dive into some of the diseases that can affect this important organ. Pancreatic diseases can range from relatively mild to life-threatening conditions, and understanding them can help in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

1. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and can occur in two forms: acute and chronic.

Acute Pancreatitis: This is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by gallstones or alcohol abuse. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Acute pancreatitis can resolve on its own, but severe cases may require hospitalization and even surgery.

Chronic Pancreatitis: This condition is a long-lasting inflammation that can lead to permanent damage to the pancreas. It is often caused by prolonged alcohol use, but can also be the result of genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, or repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. Over time, chronic pancreatitis can lead to pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas can no longer produce enough enzymes for digestion, and diabetes may develop.

2. Diabetes Mellitus
The pancreas plays a key role in managing blood sugar levels through its production of insulin, so diseases like diabetes directly involve the pancreas.

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to little or no insulin production, and as a result, individuals with Type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes: This is the more common form of diabetes and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, meaning it can’t use insulin effectively. Over time, the pancreas may struggle to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often related to lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity, but genetics also play a role.

In both types of diabetes, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to various organs over time, leading to complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

3. Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious diseases affecting the pancreas. Unfortunately, it’s often diagnosed at a late stage because early symptoms are vague or nonexistent.

The most common form of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the pancreatic ducts. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and a family history of the disease.