Your pancreas is probably one of the most overlooked organs in your body. Unlike the heart or the lungs, it is not that popular among people, unless it is a matter of cancerous cells or tumours.
However, this long, flat organ, located deep in the abdomen, plays several important roles, such as producing digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine and secreting hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels, said Dr Ankita Pal Singh, Chief of Lab, Neuberg Diagnostics, APTS, in an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team. This is why it is important to understand your pancreatic health and the kinds of symptoms that can arise if your pancreas is struggling.
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: How To Know If The Cancer Has Spread?
Abdominal Pain
According to the doctor, abdominal pain is one of the many symptoms that can arise from an unhealthy pancreas. It can be a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe damage to the pancreas, making it difficult for it to produce the necessary enzymes and hormones. Additionally, pancreatic cancer can also lead to abdominal pain that radiates to the back, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, unfortunately, the signs of pancreatic cancer mostly arise in the advanced stages.
Changes In Poop Appearance
Your bowel habits and the appearance of your stool can also reveal a lot about your pancreatic health. According to Cancer Research UK, an unhealthy pancreas or a blocked pancreatic duct can cause steatorrhoea, which refers to fatty stool. Such types of poop can be large, pale, smelly, and difficult to flush, the charity added. These changes can indicate a problem with your digestive system, which could be triggered by many factors, including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), as per research published by StatsPearls Publishing. EPI occurs when the small intestine is unable to digest food due to problems with enzymes produced by the pancreas.
New-Onset Diabetes
As discussed, the pancreas produces hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, an unhealthy pancreas may struggle to perform these functions effectively.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mridul Malhotra, Senior Consultant and Head-Medical Oncology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, suggests that in certain cases, pancreatic cancer may result in disruption of insulin production leading to high blood sugar levels and the onset of diabetes.
A study published in the journal Lancet Oncology suggests that new-onset diabetes can either be a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer or a potential early warning sign of the disease.
Also Read: Doctor Shares TWO Main Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer To Watch Out For
Important Tests To Take
To diagnose any problems associated with the pancreas, several types of tests can be conducted. This includes blood tests, imaging studies, such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, and pancreatic function tests.
Dr Singh said, “Common blood tests assess levels of pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) and blood sugar. Imaging helps visualise the pancreas, and pancreatic function tests measure how well it's producing enzymes.”
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider will recommend specific tests, she added.
A Final Word
Even though the pancreas is not a very well-explored organ, it still plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar control. Recognising signs of trouble, like abdominal pain, altered stool, or sudden-onset diabetes, is crucial. Various tests can diagnose pancreatic issues, allowing for early intervention and improved outcomes. Therefore, prioritise your pancreatic health!