Sunday, April 17, 2011
cystic fibrosis of pancreas
Cystic Fibrosis affects Pancreas
The pancreas is part of the digestive system. Its job is to secrete enzymes that are needed to digest food, and a hormone called insulin that controls blood sugar. Cystic fibrosis also causes these secretions to become thick.
When this happens:
• The pancreatic ducts become clogged.
• Enzymes can’t get past the obstruction.
• Food is not digested properly and the body can’t absorb nutrients.
• Eventually, the obstruction of the pancreas may cause scarring that damages the insulin-producing cells and prevents them from producing insulin. Insulin is not available to the cells, which causes blood sugar levels to rise. This condition is called insulin-dependent diabetes, which happens in about 15% of all CF patients.
The pancreas is part of the digestive system. Its job is to secrete enzymes that are needed to digest food, and a hormone called insulin that controls blood sugar. Cystic fibrosis also causes these secretions to become thick.
When this happens:
• The pancreatic ducts become clogged.
• Enzymes can’t get past the obstruction.
• Food is not digested properly and the body can’t absorb nutrients.
• Eventually, the obstruction of the pancreas may cause scarring that damages the insulin-producing cells and prevents them from producing insulin. Insulin is not available to the cells, which causes blood sugar levels to rise. This condition is called insulin-dependent diabetes, which happens in about 15% of all CF patients.
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