The Pancreas: Key Player In Good Health

The pancreas is about six inches long, located in your upper abdomen, behind your liver. From this hidden sanctuary, the pancreas does two really big jobs: keep blood sugar levels in check and help digestion happen. The two functions work independently, with little overlap.

The pancreas attaches to the small intestine and adds “juice” (digestive enzymes) as your food moves from your stomach into the small intestine. The enzymes break down fats, carbohydrates and protein into something your body can use. Digestive efforts take up 95% of the pancreas.

A different part of the pancreas, representing the other 5%, creates …read more