The pancreas is an endocrine gland and an organ of digestion, which is
located in the abdomen. It has both an endocrine and an exocrine
function. It regulates blood sugar levels and secretes the hormones
glucagon, insulin and pancreatic polypeptide. It also secretes
pancreatic juice that aids in digestion. Chronic alcohol use, traumatic
damage, infections and certain medications can cause inflammation of the
pancreas or pancreatitis. Severe pancreatitis has the potential to cause
bleeding or perforation of the pancreas, thus causing a systemic
inflammatory response syndrome or shock. Another common disease related
to the pancreas is diabetes mellitus. It can be classified as type 1 and
type 2. Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder. In this, the immune
system attacks the cells of the pancreas that are responsible for
insulin secretion. Type 2 is caused due to a combination of impaired
insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Pancreatic cancers,
particularly pancreatic adenocarcinoma, are associated with obesity,
diabetes, smoking, and certain genetic conditions. This book contains
some path-breaking studies in pancreatic diseases. Also included in this
book is a detailed explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of such
diseases. The topics covered herein offer the readers new insights in
pancreatic diseases.
