PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your digestive + blood sugar regulator

THE PANCREAS

Your pancreas is like a dual-function kitchen appliance — part food processor, part thermostat.
It helps you digest food and keeps your blood sugar in balance.

It works quietly in the background, but without it, your body couldn’t process nutrients or regulate energy properly.

Your pancreas:

  • Produces digestive enzymes to break down proteins, fats, and carbs

  • Releases bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid entering the small intestine

  • Makes insulin to lower blood sugar after eating

  • Makes glucagon to raise blood sugar when it gets too low

  • Helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day

  • Supports overall metabolism and nutrient absorption

    The pancreas isn’t just a digestive helper—it’s also a key endocrine gland. Its hormone-producing cells, called islets of Langerhans, release insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin to regulate blood sugar and overall metabolism.

  • Insulin Production → Lowers blood glucose by helping cells absorb sugar for energy

  • Glucagon Production → Raises blood glucose by signaling the liver to release stored sugar

  • Somatostatin Production → Regulates the release of insulin and glucagon for balance

  • Helps maintain steady energy levels and metabolic homeostasis

  • Supports communication with other endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary) through blood sugar regulation

PANCREAS BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for pancreas related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Enzymes - Proteins that break down food into absorbable parts

Bicarbonate - A base that neutralizes stomach acid in the small intestine

Insulin - A hormone that helps move sugar from blood into cells for energy

Glucagon - A hormone that raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose

Endocrine Function - Hormone production (insulin, glucagon)

Exocrine Function - Enzyme and bicarbonate production for digestion

Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas that can disrupt digestion and blood sugar control

WHAT THE PANCREAS WORKS WITH

THE pancreas + OTHER SYSTEMS

  • Stomach → Receives chyme and signals the pancreas to release enzymes

  • Small Intestine → Gets enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas for digestion

  • Liver → Works together to manage blood sugar and metabolism

  • Gallbladder → Releases bile alongside pancreatic enzymes for fat digestion

  • Bloodstream → Carries insulin and glucagon to cells throughout the body

  • Liver → Releases stored glucose when signaled by glucagon

  • Muscles & Fat Tissue → Absorb glucose in response to insulin

  • Hypothalamus & Pituitary → Feedback loops help maintain overall energy balance

  • Adrenal Glands → Cortisol affects glucose levels and energy availability

  • Digestive System → Works alongside exocrine function for nutrient processing

A healthy pancreas:

  • Ensures you can digest and absorb nutrients from your food

  • Keeps blood sugar in a healthy range — preventing crashes and spikes

  • Supports steady energy and brain function

  • Helps protect long-term metabolic health

When the pancreas is stressed or damaged, it can lead to poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, or blood sugar problems like diabetes.

Your pancreas may be small, but it’s a powerhouse of both digestion and energy regulation.

A healthy pancreas keeps blood sugar stable, supports energy, and works in harmony with other endocrine organs. Proper nutrition, blood sugar management, and maintaining a healthy weight help its endocrine function thrive.