The main relationship between the pancreas and diabetes is that the cells within the bodies of diabetics have become resistant to insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. This causes the pancreas to overcompensate and produce too much insulin. Overworking the pancreas can eventually make it less efficient or, in severe cases, stop producing insulin altogether. People with diabetes generally exhibit this pancreatic degeneration.
Insulin produced by the pancreas is considered responsible for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. When insulin is no longer produced or is in short supply, blood glucose levels rise. Without insulin to signal the cells to absorb the sugar, these levels can become dangerously high. Also, ongoing high blood sugar levels can have many dangerous side effects.
Another important relationship between the pancreas and diabetes is the production of the hormone glucagon. It has been described as a balancing agent for insulin. The two hormones work together to maintain stable glucose levels. Glucagon also plays an important role in how the body's organs can use glucose. When the pancreas doesn't make glucagon, organs can be damaged because they can't release the sugar buildup.
The relationship between the pancreas and diabetes has been the subject of many studies. Research shows that even in the young, overuse of the pancreas can sometimes quickly lead to its malfunction. The severity of diabetes is often a good measure of how much insulin the pancreas can still produce. In those whose pancreas has completely stopped working, daily injections of insulin are usually required.
Many medications have been developed that minimize the impact of imbalances that exist in the relationship between the pancreas and diabetes. Probably the most significant was the development of synthetic insulin. Synthetic insulin mimics the hormone produced by the pancreas and is used by most diabetics. Other medications diabetics take are primary in a class called "blockers" or "inhibitors." These medications help slow the rise in blood glucose levels.
Diabetes is generally classified into two different types. Type 1 diabetes is considered genetic and is usually suffered by children and young adults. It is considered a lifelong condition that requires careful management. Type 2 diabetes occurs most often in people who are overweight and older than 40 years.