About the Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen. It is approximately 6 inches long and is located behind the stomach.

The pancreas has 2 main functions:

• It makes enzymes, which help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before they can be absorbed in the intestine.
• It makes hormones (chemicals made from glands), the most important of which is insulin, which control how the body uses and stores sugar (glucose), its main source of energy.