The pancreas gland has two main functions – to produce the hormone insulin to regulate our blood sugar levels and to make digestive enzymes. These enzymes are released into the gut after we eat and help to break down our food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. If the pancreas is inflamed or has been damaged it may not produce enough of these enzymes, leading to weight loss, diarrhoea (sometimes with oily bowel movements that are difficult to flush away) and possible vitamin deficiencies. A poo test can help diagnose this, some people will also need a CT scan of their pancreas. Supplemental digestive enzymes are available for those with pancreatic insufficiency.
