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.
