hidden away, tucked adjacent to the duodenum and spleen.

has two organs in one

secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum via the Ampulla of Vater

digestive enzymes: amylase, lipase, and peptidases

produces insulin, glucagons and somatostatin, directly into the blood

called the Islets of Langerhans

three cell types can be identified with special stains: Alpha, Beta, and Delta cells

inflammation of the pancreas. Severe pain that radiates to the back

three types: Acute edematous, Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, and Chronic pancreatitis 

caused by the release of pancreatic enzymes upon itself

associated with alcohol, obstruction of pancreatic duct, high fat diets and idiopathic

can lead to shock and death (20%)

complications include pseudocyst formation, abscess formation and lead to chronic pancreatitis which can also lead to endocrine insufficiency 

risk factors include smoking, high fat diet and alcohol abuse 

a disease of old age that is present late and difficult to treat

if found small, can do Whipple operation and remove pancreas

CT scans have made diagnosis possible at earlier time

originate from cells in the Islets of Langerhans and are rare

produce biologically active substances

most common are insulinomas but there are glucagonomas and somatostatinomas

caused by functional insufficiency of Beta cells

characterized by hyperglycemia, glucose in urine, production of ketone bodies and damage to vessels resulting in decreased vision and diseases of peripheral nerves and glomerular disease of the kidney 

due to absolute lack of insulin and can occur at any age.

associated with an autoimmune process where lymphocytes target and destroy the B cells

usually triggered by a viral infection

insulin dependent

not enough insulin either because there is resistance to its ability for glucose to enter cells or because the demands of the body (obese) are greater than the amount of insulin produced

non-insulin dependent

diseases of pancreas, endocrine disorders, drugs, insulin receptor deficiencies 

over 30, gradual, obesity, beta cells present

treatment is diet oral hypoglycemics and insulin

increased atherosclerosis with coronary artery disease

atherosclerosis of aorta with anerurysms

diseased arteries of lower extremities with ulcers and gangrene

renal complication from DM

amorphous glycosalated masses trapped in the kidney glomeruli as well as small vessel damage

of retinal vessels which lead to blindness and cataracts

of vessels of nerves

tight control of blood glucose with using insulin pumps to adjust insulin levels.