The pancreas is really two organs in one: a digestive organ that secretes enzymes that help break down nutrients into forms the body can readily absorb; and endocrine gland that produces the hormones that govern the digestion of sugar. The dramatic upsurge in the incidence of diabetes has put the organ in the spotlight.

Levels of insulin and glucose in the blood must be maintained in careful balance. Chronic conditions of too much or too little glucose in the bloodstream can damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels; acute disruptions of the insulin/glucose balance can be life-threatening.