Pancreas

The pancreas is an oblong flattened gland located deep in the abdomen. Most people don't know as much about the pancreas as they do about other parts of their bodies. In fact, this gland is an integral part of the digestive system that often goes unnoticed until problems occur. If you are concerned about pancreas cancer, you will want a lot more information. The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, sandwiched between the stomach and the spine. It lies partially behind the stomach. The other part is nestled in the curve of the duodenum (small intestine). To visualize the position of the pancreas, try this: Touch the thumb and ""pinkie"" finger of your right hand together, keeping the other three fingers together and straight. Then, place your hand in the center of your belly just below your lower ribs with your fingers pointing to the left. Your hand will be at the approximate level of your pancreas.

Hypoglycemia

A person with abnormally low levels of blood sugar (glucose) has hypoglycemia. Glucose is the body's main energy source. Hypoglycemia is not a disease in itself; it is a sign .....

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is an uncommon disorder characterized by intense thirst and the excretion of large amounts of urine (polyuria). In most cases, it's the result of your body not properly .....

Diabetes mellitus type 1

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen, produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that .....

Diabetes mellitus type 2

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disorder that disrupts the way your body uses glucose (sugar). All the cells in your body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into .....

Diabetic foot

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, this can damage your nerves or blood vessels. Nerve damage from diabetes can cause you to lose .....

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) affects people who have diabetes. Several factors can contribute to hyperglycemia in people with diabetes, including food and physical activity choices, illness, nondiabetes medications, or not .....

Hyperlipidemia

Lipid is the scientific term for fats in the blood. At proper levels, lipids perform important functions in your body, but can cause health problems if they are present in .....

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas .....

Pancreatic insufficiency

Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the exocrine pancreas to produce and/or transport enough digestive enzymes to break down food in the intestine and to allow its absorption. It typically .....