The Pancreas

Diseases of the PancreasBy

Marjorie Smith

The PancreasThe pancreas is a unique glandThe pancreas is both a exocrine and endocrine glandIt is a duct gland, pancreatic ductIt is a ductless gland, islet of Langerhans

Duct GlandAs a duct gland or exocrine gland, the pancreas aids in digestionIt secretes pancreatic enzymes into the small intestines

It aids in digestion as a part of the digestive systemIt is also an endocrine gland, too

Exocrine Gland

As an exocrine gland, the pancreas aid in digestionIt secretes buffers and pancreatic enzymesThe buffers and pancreatic enzymes help in the digestive process

Buffers and Enzymes

The buffers produce by the pancreas help neutralize the acidic chyme as it enters the small intestinePancreatic enzymes help digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Buffers and EnzymesWithout the buffers and enzymes, food is not digested and absorbed

Can lead to malnurtitionWeight lossdiarrhea

Ductless GlandAs a ductless or endocrine gland, the pancreas regulates blood glucose levelsCells of the islet of Langerhans secretes these hormones

These hormones are responsible for increase and decrease blood glucose levelsSecretes these hormones directly into the bloodstream

Endocrine GlandAs a endocrine gland, the pancreas regulates blood glucose levelsThe islet of Langerhans is where these hormones are producedThere are two different cells that produce these hormones

Insulin and Glucagon

The pancreas produce both insulin and glucagonInsulin lowers blood glucose levelGlucagon rises blood glucose level

Insulin and GlucagonInsulin is produced in the beta islet cellsInsulin causes the body to absorb glucose from the bloodInsulin lowers the blood sugar levers

Glucagon is produced in the alpha islet cellsGlucagon causes the liver to release glucoseThis causes the blood glucose levels to riseGlucagon is antagonist of insulin

Diseases that Affect the Pancreas

These diseases can cause the pancreas to over produce or under produce its productsDiabetes mellitus

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)Diabetic retinopathy, Insulinomaketoacidosis

Diseases that Affect the Pancreas

Peripheral neuropathyAcute pancreatitisChronic pancreatitisHereditary pancreatitisPancreatic cancerNephropathystroke

Diabetes MellitusDiabetes Mellitus is characterized by the body inability to metabolize carbohydratesThis may lead to hyperglycemia and glycosuriaThe body makes excessive amount of insulin or the body does not absorb the insulin produce into the cells

Diabetes MellitusInsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus develops early in lifeIt is known as childhood or type 1 diabetesThe pancreas is not able to produce insulin in adequate amounts

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus develops later in lifeIt is known as type 2 diabetesThe pancreas produce normal to high levels of insulin

Diabetes Mellitus

People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin for lifePeople with type 2 diabetes may take oral hypoglycemics to improve insulin function or insulin, if needed

Factors that Affect Diabetes Mellitus

Risk factors for Diabetes Family historyOver weightSedimentary lifestyleHigh blood pressuresCertain racial and ethnic groups

Diagnostic TestsBlood tests are helpful in determining pancreas diseasesBlood tests include:

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)Glucose Tolerance test (GTT

Radiographic tests are best to evaluate structure of pancreas

Computed tomography scan (CAT)Endoscopic ultrasound

Diagnostic TestsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatigraphy (MRCP)Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatophy (ERCP)

Used for evaluating the pancreatic duct

Therapeutic ProceduresTreatment of pancreatic diseases include:

Hormone replacementChemotherapyRadiation therapyIn some instance surgery may be needed

MedicationsMedication may be used to treat diabetes mellitus and other pancreatic diseasesInsulin

Rapid-actingShort-actingIntermediate-actingLong-actingPre-mixed

Oral hypoglycemic agents and other forms of delivery:

Oral insulinInsulin pumpInhaled insulinTransdermal insulin (patch)Intranasal insulin

MedicationsRapid-acting: HumalogShort-acting: NovolinIntermediate-acting: LenteLong-acting:LantusPre-mixed: Humulin

OmniPod and Animas make insulin pumpsExubera is an inhaled insulinCellnovo is an insulin patch being usedPass port (R) is being tested as an insulin delivery system

Works CitedAmerican Diabetes Association, Web. 9 Nov 2011.“Common Disorders of the Pancreas”.

National Pancreas Foundation Web. 9 Nov 2011.Fremgen, Bonnie F, Suzanne S. Frucht.

Medical Terminology: A Living Language. 4th ed. New York. PearsonEducation, Inc. 2009. Print

Images.Search.yahoo.com. Web 9 Nov 2011OmniPod.com Web. 9 Nov 2011.Transdermal Basal Insulin Patch Study.ClinicalTrials.gov

Web. 9 Nov 2011. “Types of Insulin for Diabetes Treatment”. WebMD. Web

9 Nov 2011.