Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about pancreas function:

1. What purposes does my pancreas serve?
   
   
2. How is my pancreas involved in my diabetes?
   
   
3. Do I have, or am I at risk of, any other pancreatic conditions?
   
   
4. Can my diabetes affect the parts of the pancreas involved in digestion?
   
   
5. If I have type 1 diabetes, could my beta cells still be making insulin?
   
   
6. Does my diabetes increase my risk of pancreatic cancer or other pancreatic conditions?
   
   
7. Are there warning signs if there’s a problem with my pancreas?
   
   
8. Are there any tests of pancreatic function I should undergo? If so, what does the testing involve?
   
   
9. What do my test results show? What condition is my pancreas in?
   
   
10. If treatment is needed, what are my options, and which do you recommend?
    
    
11. What can I do to preserve or improve my pancreas function? Do I need to avoid alcohol?