What is the function of the pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ that has two different functions in assisting the processing of the food that we eat. First, the pancreas has an exocrine function that produces many enzymes that help to break down fat and protein in food. Second, the pancreas produces the hormones insulin and glucagon which help regulate blood sugar. Diseases of the pancreas may affect either of these functions causing specific disease states. When the endocrine function is altered, diabetes mellitus may develop. When the exocrine function is affected, malabsorbtion of fat or protein may occur.
