Pancreatic Diseases Summary The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces juices that help break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels. Problems with the pancreas can lead to many health problems. These include Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas: This happens when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself Pancreatic cancer Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky mucus can also block tubes in your pancreas The pancreas also plays a role in diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked them. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Encyclopedia Abdominal CT scan Abdominal MRI Abdominal tap Abdominal ultrasound Amylase – urine D-xylose absorption Fecal fat Glucagon blood test Insulinoma Lactate dehydrogenase test LDH isoenzyme blood test Macroamylasemia Pancreas divisum Pancreatic abscess Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram Secretin stimulation test Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool Trypsinogen test Array Acute pancreatitis Amylase – blood Annular pancreas ERCP Lipase test Pancreatic pseudocyst Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Diagnosis and Tests Amylase Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Fecal Fat: The Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Gastrin: The Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lipase Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Trypsinogen Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Find an Expert ASGE: Find a Doctor American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Find an Endocrinologist Hormone Health Network National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Pancreatic Diseases National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Pancreatitis National Institutes of Health Start Here Common Disorders of the Pancreas National Pancreas Foundation Treatments and Therapies Complementary Pancreatitis Therapies National Pancreas Foundation Videos and Tutorials Diagnosing & Treating Digestive Tract Disorders Endoscopically OR-Live Related Issues For Family and Friends: How Can I Help? National Pancreas Foundation Genetics Genetics Home Reference: Shwachman-Diamond syndrome National Library of Medicine Specifics Is Hyperinsulinemia a Form of Diabetes? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Pancreatic Cysts Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Living With Nutrition Advice and Recipes National Pancreas Foundation Journal Articles Pancreatic Diseases Reference Desk What Is the Pancreas? Johns Hopkins University, Department of Pathology
