The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a significant role in the function of the body. It regulates blood sugar and secretes juices that aid in digestion. If your pancreas fails, you might experience problems such as weight loss, malnutrition, GI issues, and pain in your upper abdomen.
Here are some signs that your pancreas isn’t as strong as it should be:
Unwanted Weight Loss
Weight loss in diabetic adults above 65 years of age may suggest the growth of a pancreatic tumor. A tumor contains actively growing cells that need a lot of energy compared to normal cells. If the tumor cells use up all the energy, the body is forced to break down stored fats, thus resulting in weight loss. If you have diabetes and are experiencing unexplained weight loss, you should immediately schedule an appointment with a doctor so they can rule out the underlying issue.
Poor Tolerance for Some Foods
Poor tolerance for some foods, especially fatty ones, might suggest that your pancreas is having trouble releasing the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats. You’re also likely to notice you have a floaty stool that’s unusually difficult to flush down the toilet because it contains undigested fat.
Jaundice
Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the eyes and the skin tone, darker urine, and pale stool. Jaundice results from high bilirubin in the blood, which might be caused by the blockage of the bile duct. The bile duct is secondary to the pancreas; its obstruction might indicate an inflamed pancreas.
Difficulty in Managing Insulin Levels
The pancreas is responsible for managing blood sugar levels. So if you have diabetes and are experiencing constant insulin sparks, it might indicate that the pancreas is in trouble.
Upper Abdominal Pain
The pancreas is located in the abdomen. If you experience upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back it could be another sign that your pancreas isn’t as healthy as it should be. This pain might indicate an inflamed pancreas or a blockage of the pancreatic bile duct.
