The pancreas is an abdominal organ made of glandular tissue and a system of ducts. It has two major functions:

• Exocrine cells produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
  
  
• Endocrine cells produce hormones that regulate the body’s main energy source, glucose (blood sugar). These hormones include insulin, which lowers glucose levels by moving it into cell, and glucagon, which raises glucose levels in the blood.

The pancreas also produces other hormones, such as gastrin (to regulate acid secretion) and somatostatin (to regulate insulin, glucagon and other hormones). These hormones are produced in clusters of cells spread throughout the pancreas. These clusters, called the islets of Langerhans, are composed of specialized cells known as alpha, beta and delta cells.  

Damage to the beta cells can cause insulin production to slow or stop and result in diabetes. Other conditions that can affect pancreas function include:

• Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas.
  
  
• Pancreatic cysts. Sacs of fluid that are usually caused by pancreatitis.
  
  
• Pancreatic cancer. A form of cancer that spreads quickly and is rarely found in its early stages.
  
  
• Insulinoma. A tumor of the beta cells, usually noncancerous.
  
  
• Pancreatic insufficiency. Occurs when the pancreas fails to make enough enzymes for proper digestion.