Curing Diabetes

Diabetes also can result from pancreatic disease and surgery, endocrine disorders, such as acromegaly, pheochromocytoma, and Cushing’s syndrome and therapy with drugs, such as glucocorticoids, streptozocin, pentamidine, and estrogen. Secondary diabetes usually resolves after the primary condition is treated successfully.

How Pancreas helps

The pancreas helps regulate and maintain homeostasis by performing both exocrine and endocrine functions. As part of the exocrine system, the pancreas aids in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. As part of the endocrine system, the pancreas plays an important role in metabolizing glucose and regulating blood glucose levels. In people with diabetes, a dysfunction in glucose metabolism leads to hyperglycemia.

Location and Structure

The pancreas lies in the upper abdominal cavity behind the stomach and in front of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. It also lies over the inferior vena cava and the two large renal arteries. Measuring 12 to 15 cm in length and weighing about 60 grams, the pancreas is divided into a head, body and tail. The head of the pancreas lies in and is attached to the C-shaped duodenal loop. The body of the pancreas extends horizontally across the upper abdomen and the tail touches the spleen.

Filed under: Secondary Diabetes