3 Most Common Pancreatic Problems Observed Across the World

The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen area. It produces chemicals that help in the digestion process. These chemicals are known as enzymes and are responsible for breaking down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in food. Along with this, the pancreas produces vital hormones such as glucagon, insulin, etc. that help maintain blood sugar levels. A well-fecal elastase test price can help determine the functioning and problems related to the pancreas. Following are the 3 most common pancreatic problems. 

1. Pancreatitis 

Pancreatitis is a medical condition in which the pancreas gets inflamed for a short period. This happens when the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas start attacking it, resulting in severe abdominal pain. Acute pancreatitis happens when gallstones block the bile duct or when there is excess alcohol or steroid use. When acute pancreatitis keeps recurring, it can result in chronic pancreatitis. Another type of pancreatitis is hereditary pancreatitis, which is caused by the inheritance of certain genes.

2. Diabetes

The pancreas produces hormones like insulin, and when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or if the body cannot use it properly, it can lead to diabetes. It is a disease of metabolism where the motor function of the digestive system is reduced. In this condition, the body’s blood sugar and insulin levels are out of balance, which in the long term can cause heart and kidney-related diseases. 

3. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas when the cells start mutating and can form a tumour. The tumour can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Since pancreatic cancer does not cause symptoms in the early stages, it is detected in the later stages when the cancer has already spread in the body. Due to this reason, pancreatic cancer is difficult to cure. People with a family history of pancreatic cancer should get regularly tested at a reputed pathology laboratory. 

These are the most common pancreatic problems observed across the world. Considering this, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle to avoid such problems.