The pancreas: the organ you rarely think about until you need to

Published July 21, 2026

The pancreas does a lot of important work for an organ that often goes unnoticed. Because it’s hidden from view and quiet until something changes, issues can be easy to miss early on.¹ Understanding how the pancreas works can help you spot changes and take action sooner.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is an organ tucked deep in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It’s about the length of your hand and sits near the liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and spleen.¹,²

What does the pancreas do?

The pancreas has 2 main jobs, digestion and blood glucose (sugar) control, and it handles each differently. Both work on the same principle: the pancreas makes what the body needs, then sends it where it needs to go. 

For digestion, the pancreas uses its exocrine function. It makes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, then releases them through the pancreatic duct into the small intestine. There, the enzymes get to work. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, lipase breaks down fats, and proteases break down proteins. Bicarbonate neutralizes the stomach acid still present, keeping conditions right for digestion to continue. 

For blood sugar control, the pancreas uses its endocrine function. It makes hormones and releases them directly into the bloodstream. Insulin helps lower blood sugar by moving glucose from the blood into the body’s cells. Glucagon helps raise it when levels get too low.

One function turns food into nutrients the body can absorb. The other manages the energy that comes from them. The pancreas does this work consistently, meal after meal, hour after hour.¹⁻⁴

What is pancreatitis, and what causes it?  

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, irritation, or damage. It can lead to swelling, pain, and changes in how the pancreas works.

Pancreatitis often happens when digestive enzymes become trapped or activated too early while still inside the pancreas. This can happen when gallstones block the normal flow of enzymes or when pancreatic tissue is injured or damaged.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and can be mild or severe. Most cases improve with treatment and can resolve completely. However, a severe case can lead to serious complications, some of them life-threatening. Acute pancreatitis can also increase the risk of pancreatitis happening again or becoming chronic.

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation that doesn’t go away. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and scarring of the pancreas, called fibrosis. Symptoms can sometimes be managed, but the damage often cannot be reversed. As that damage builds, the pancreas may stop making enough digestive enzymes and hormones. This can significantly affect digestion, blood sugar control, and overall health.³⁻⁸

Can pancreas problems lead to other health conditions?

Yes. Because pancreatic health is critical for digestion and blood sugar control, problems with the pancreas can affect the whole body. 

When the pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes, the body can have trouble breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. This can lead to digestive symptoms, weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, and a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

When the pancreas doesn’t make or release insulin and glucagon normally, blood sugar can become harder to control. Over time, this can lead to diabetes.

Long-term inflammation or damage to the pancreas can also increase the risk of chronic pain, pancreatic fibrosis, and other serious conditions, including pancreatic cancer.⁶⁻¹⁰

What are signs of pancreas problems?

Because the pancreas sits deep within the abdomen, early changes may not be obvious. Depending on the cause, symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly.⁶⁻¹⁰

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Gas, bloating, or indigestion
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Greasy, pale, or unusually foul-smelling stools
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

How can I lower my risk for pancreatic conditions?

Gallstones, heavy alcohol use, smoking, genetics, and certain autoimmune or other health conditions can all increase the risk of pancreatic conditions. While some risk factors can’t be changed, others are within your control.⁶,⁸,¹¹

Habits that support pancreatic health

• Limit alcohol
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage blood sugar, cholesterol, calcium, and triglyceride levels