Pancreatic Diseases

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 I diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked them. In type II diabetes, the pancreas loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

External Resources

WebMD: Pancreatitis - Information on treatment, self-management and in-depth disease information.

Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases - Information about research programs at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

Pancreatic Disease Center - Treats patients with a known or suspected pancreatic disease. Provides evaluations, diagnostic tests, on-site treatments and participation in clinical research protocols.

Hudson Valley Gastroenterology - Dr. Dodd and Dr. Steckman specialize in digestive diseases and nutrition - including intestinal, liver, pancreatic, and gallbladder disorders with in office colonoscopy and upper endoscopy available.

Malaysian Liver Foundation - Voluntary, non-profit organisation for treatment of liver, gallbladder and pancreatic diseases. Provides activities, publications and fact sheets. Located in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF) - The Malaysian Liver Foundation is the only national voluntary, non-profit, charitable organisation in Malaysia dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of liver, gallbladder and pancreatic diseases through education, training and research.

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