Pancreas Connections: Understanding Its Role in Digestion & Blood Sugar

The pancreas is connected to the small intestine, which lies just below the pancreas in the abdomen. The small intestine is the portion of the digestive tract that follows the stomach. The pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a duct called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into molecules that can be absorbed by the body. The pancreas also produces insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels, which it releases directly into the bloodstream via the bloodstream.