<p>The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces juices that help break down food and hormones that help control <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodglucose.html">blood sugar</a> levels. Problems with the pancreas can lead to many health problems. These include:</p><ul> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pancreatitis.html">Pancreatitis</a>, or inflammation of the pancreas: This happens when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself</li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pancreaticcancer.html">Pancreatic cancer</a></li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/cysticfibrosis.html">Cystic fibrosis</a>, a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky mucus can also block tubes in your pancreas</li> </ul> <p>The pancreas also plays a role in diabetes. In <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype1.html">type 1 diabetes</a>, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked them. In <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype2.html"> type 2 diabetes</a>, the pancreas loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. </p>