THE PANCREAS, INSULIN

THE PANCREAS

   The pancreas is both an endocrine gland that produces hormones and an exocrine gland that produces digestive enzymes.  It is, therefore, responsible for much metabolism within the body.  A major disorder of the endocrine pancreas is diabetes mellitus.

   The pancreas is located behind the stomach, between the spleen and the duodenum. 

Human Anatomy

Picture of the Pancreas

It houses the islets of Langerhans, which secrete glucagon and insulin, hormones that help to regulate much of the carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism within the body.  The islets of Langerhans have three types of hormone-secreting cells:  alpha, beta, and delta cells.  It also has F cells, which secrete pancreatic polypeptide.

   Somatostatin is produced by delta cells of the pancreas.  It is a hormone essential in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism (i.e., homeostasis of ingested nutrients).  Little is known about pancreatic somatostatin, but it is probably involved in the regulation of alpha-cell and beta-cell function within the islets.  Presumably, somatostatin inhibits both glucagon and insulin secretion.  Pancreatic somatostatin is different from hypothalmic somatostatin, which inhibits the release of growth hormone.

   The beta cells secrete insulin.  Insulin is an anabolic hormone that promotes the synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.  The major sites of insulin-promoted synthesis are the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.  The net effect of insulin in these tissues is to stimulate cellular metabolism.  Overall, however, the major consequence of insulin release is to decrease blood glucose.  Insulin also facilitates the intracellular transport of potassium.

   Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and by a number of cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.  Glucagon acts primarily in the liver.   It acts as an antagonist to insulin.

Pathophysiology  The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children 1990.

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SEEK THE PROFESSIONALS

SEEK THE PROFESSIONALS

   When I was young....er, I went fishing all day, staying out of doors in the heat, not hydrating myself as I should have.  Normally, eight glasses of water is the recommendation.  I was having fun and was not paying attention to the signs of thirst.  Anyway, I was dehydrated.  In that particular situation, simply drinking Gatorade or any other fluids would not take care of the problem.  I had to receive IV fluids at the hospital.

   Sometimes, when we go about living our lives, things get a little stressful.  We may not always pay attention to our own bodies when they warn us that we need help.  Work, relationships, family, bills, situations we are not in control of, etc.  Everything builds.  What could have been handled with a night off or going to the spa now requires a professional's intervention.

   Know this:  You have family who have loved you all of your life.  We love you with all of your "warts" and will do all we possibly can for you. Relax and allow the professionals to do their work.  I am praying for you.

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