The pancreas is a gland that secretes enzymes 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:
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.
