Understanding the Role of the Pancreas in Diabetes

There is a lot to learn when you are diagnosed with diabetes.  Most likely, the first question you will ask your doctor is “what type of diabetes do I have.” The two primary forms are Type 1 and Type 2, and in either case, the disease has a relationship with your pancreas, one of your organs located deep in your abdomen between your stomach and spine.

Function of the pancreas

The pancreas has two roles, functioning in both the endocrine and digestive systems. It produces enzymes to help digest food and has the critical function of producing and regulating insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin moves glucose, a simple type of carbohydrate, from the blood into your cells. Most of the cells in your body rely at least party on glucose to function.

When the pancreas fails to do its job in producing and regulating insulin to transform food into accessible cell energy, the result is often diabetes. Diabetes is a problem on a global scale. In the United States alone, 38.4 million people suffer from the disease, which equates to 11.6 percent of the population.[1]

Type 1 Versus Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease.  The immune system mistakes the body’s own healthy cells as foreign invaders. In response, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed, the body is unable to produce insulin. Diet and lifestyle do not cause Type 1 diabetes. The development of Type 1 diabetes may be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. [2]

With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Furthermore, cells do not respond well to insulin and as a result take in less sugar. [3]Type 2 is the more common of the two types, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of all cases.[4] Type 2 can occur in people of all ages, but is occurs more often in older individuals. Being overweight and inactive can contribute to the disease.

Diabetes and pancreatis

Diabetes does not cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. However, when diabetes is not controlled it can increase the risk of developing the condition. Also, individuals with chronic pancreatitis may increase their chance of getting diabetes because of damage to the pancreas.  

Pancreatic diabetes refers to diabetes caused by pancreatic disease or damage. In some cases, managing the primary pancreatic disease can improve control of blood sugar.  Others may need insulin therapy or other diabetes medications to regulate blood glucose levels. [5]

Knowing the relationship between the pancreas and diabetes helps to understand the treatments available and how they work as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support a better functioning pancreas.

[1] “National Diabetes Statistical Report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed January 13, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html

[2] O-Keefe Osborn, Corrine, “Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference,” healthline, July 17, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

[3] “Type 2 Diabetes,” Mayo Clinic, Accessed January 13, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193

[4] Howley, Elaine, “6 Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Diagnosed with Diabetes,” US News, June 22, 2018. https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-06-22/6-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-when-youre-diagnosed-with-diabetes

[5] Riley, Chris, “Diabetes and Pancreas: Understanding the Critical Relationship for Better Health,” Diabetic.org., August 9, 2023. https://www.diabetic.org/diabetes-and-pancreas/