Discovering the Link Between Diabetes and the Pancreas

Diabetes can be a dangerous and deadly disease if it is not promptly and regularly treated. Most of us have heard of this killer disease but not all of us understand the main cause that may stem from a problem in the pancreas. The Pancreas

The pancreas is a hard working organ because it has two important functions. Its first main function is to produce pancreatic juices that aid in digesting food in the small intestine. Its other function is to produce hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. The main hormone that is produced by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and is linked to diabetes is insulin.

During digestion, the carbohydrates in food are converted to glucose which enters the bloodstream. This signals the pancreas to release insulin which helps glucose into the body’s cells where they are used up as an energy source. Some of the glucose is stored in the liver for emergency purposes. When glucose levels become too low, glucagon, which is also produced by the pancreas is secreted and the glucose supply in the liver is released.

Diabetes

There are two kinds of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 with the second type being more common. In type 1 diabetes some of the cells that make insulin are destroyed by the immune systems. Scientists are not sure why this happens but the destruction results in not having enough insulin to lower blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin but the cells of the body may become resistant to it. It is also possible that not enough insulin is secreted by people with type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

Diabetes of both types may share similar or common symptoms. A person with diabetes may feel fatigued and frequently hungry. The lack of insulin results in not enough sugar entering the cells to provide energy, leaving you tired even with minimal exertion. This in turn will increase your desire to eat since the body is desperate for an energy source.

People with diabetes will also feel thirsty more often, making them drink and urinate more. Thirst is the result of glucose drawing on body fluids. In severe cases, people may suffer from hazy vision because even the fluids in the eyes become affected.

Complications

If diabetes is left untreated for a long period of time, one could develop life-threatening conditions. Among the possible health problems that could result from diabetes are vision impairment, heart disease, kidney failure, damage to the nerves and vulnerability to skin infections.

Prevention

Because the causes of type 1 diabetes are not fully understood, no strategy can be devised for its prevention. There is no way you can stop genetic predisposition or the immune system from attacking the cells in your pancreas.

Experts suggest though that you may be able to prevent type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and habits. Foods with saturated fats and simple carbohydrates should be minimized or avoided. Regular exercise and maintaining your ideal weight may also help prevent type 2 diabetes.