The pancreas is a flat, pear-shaped gland that sits behind the stomach. It serves 2 main functions: To help digest food and to help your body regulate blood sugar levels.
As part of the endocrine system, the pancreas is best known for making insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Chronic damage to the pancreas can disrupt this process, leading to diabetes.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or when your body doesn't correctly use the insulin made by your pancreas.
A healthy pancreas helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Mayo Clinic experts recommend these healthy lifestyle changes to help your pancreas do its job.
Enjoy all things in moderation (except one)
Excessive alcohol use, smoking and overeating can all damage pancreas cells and lead to diabetes. Care for your pancreas by eating and drinking in moderation. For healthy adults, this means up to 1 drink a day for women and up to 2 drinks a day for men. If you smoke, quit.
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity increases stress on the pancreas, requiring it to make more insulin to manage blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy body weight helps ease the strain on the pancreas. Talk to your healthcare team about what a healthy weight looks like for you.
Find time to relax
When you're stressed, your body makes more of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone increases resistance to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
Exercising regularly, meditating, getting a good night's rest and spending time on hobbies can help reduce stress. If you're still feeling tense, talk to your care team or a mental health expert for additional strategies for managing stress.
Power up with plants
Choose more plant foods — especially berries, lentils and beans — for a happy pancreas. Animal fats, dairy and fried foods can cause cholesterol to build up. This can lead to development of gallstones, which are a leading cause of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis).
Don't ignore pain
Make an appointment with your care team if you have sudden or ongoing abdominal pain, fever, and a fast pulse. The pain might get worse after eating. This may be a sign of pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis can prevent your body from absorbing necessary vitamins and minerals from food. Untreated pancreatitis can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and type 2 diabetes.
Seek immediate medical help if abdominal pain is so severe that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position as this can be a sign of a pancreas infection or blockage.