7 Signs That Your Pancreas Is Not Working Properly
Your pancreas may not be something you think about often, but this organ plays a major role in keeping your body functioning. It’s responsible for producing insulin and digestive enzymes, which are crucial for managing your blood sugar levels and breaking down the food you eat. When your pancreas is not working properly, it can lead to various health problems that you don’t want to ignore. Below are seven signs that your pancreas might be in trouble.
Abdominal Pain Could Indicate Pancreatitis or Other Pancreatic Problems
One of the more common symptoms of pancreas problems is persistent abdominal pain. Typically, this pain starts in the upper abdomen and may radiate to your back. This could signal acute pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. But even more concerning, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Abdominal pain caused by pancreatic issues often intensifies after eating, especially after consuming high-fat meals. If this kind of pain sticks around, don’t ignore it. It could be your pancreas signaling for help.
Digestive Issues Like Bloating, Diarrhea, or Fatty Stools May Mean Pancreatic Insufficiency
Digestive troubles that don’t go away might be more than just a stomach issue. If your pancreas isn’t producing enough enzymes, you may experience bloating, diarrhea, or fatty stools (also known as steatorrhea). These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that it’s struggling to digest food properly. Fatty stools are particularly telling; they often float, have an oily appearance, and may have a foul odor. Doctors say this is a classic sign of pancreatic insufficiency and should be checked out immediately. These digestive symptoms may worsen over time if left untreated.
Jaundice, or Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes, Can Be a Sign of Pancreatic Cancer
If your skin or the whites of your eyes take on a yellow tint, you may be dealing with jaundice. This happens when a bile duct gets blocked, often by a tumor in the pancreas. As a result, bile builds up in your bloodstream, leading to a yellowish appearance. Health experts note that jaundice is one of the most noticeable signs of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, dark urine and pale stools can accompany jaundice, further indicating a blockage in the bile ducts. If you experience these symptoms, a trip to your doctor is crucial.
Sudden-Onset Diabetes May Be a Sign That Your Pancreas Isn’t Producing Enough Insulin
The pancreas plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar by producing insulin. If you suddenly develop diabetes, especially in your 40s or 50s, it could be a sign that your pancreas isn’t functioning properly. Research in the National Cancer Institute points out that new-onset diabetes is sometimes linked to pancreatic cancer. If you already have diabetes and suddenly find it harder to manage, this could also point to an underlying pancreatic issue, such as chronic pancreatitis.
Nausea and Vomiting After Meals Could Signal Pancreatic Problems
Nausea and vomiting after meals could be your body’s way of telling you that your pancreas is inflamed. These symptoms are common in cases of acute pancreatitis but can also occur with pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis. Inflammation in the pancreas can interfere with digestion, leading to discomfort after eating. If you’re feeling nauseated or throwing up frequently after meals, it’s worth speaking to your physician about potential pancreatic issues.
Back Pain, Particularly in the Upper Back, May Be Linked to Pancreatic Inflammation
Back pain is one of those symptoms that people tend to brush off, but it can actually be a sign of pancreas problems. Specifically, pain in the middle or upper back, sometimes radiating from the abdomen, may be linked to pancreatic inflammation or even cancer. In cases of pancreatitis, inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues and nerves, causing pain to radiate to the back. If this type of pain is persistent or worsens over time, you should consult a physician, especially if you have other symptoms like jaundice or digestive issues.
Unexplained Weight Loss Is Often a Red Flag for Pancreatic Issues
Sudden, unexplained weight loss can often point to a problem with your pancreas. If your pancreas isn’t producing enough digestive enzymes, your body may struggle to absorb the nutrients from the food you eat. This can result in significant weight loss, even when you’re eating your normal diet. If you’ve noticed the pounds dropping without trying, it’s time to see your doctor. According to a study published in The Oncologist, unexplained weight loss is a highly common symptom of pancreatic diseases like chronic pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer.
The Takeaway
The pancreas may not get the attention that other organs do, but when it’s not functioning properly, your body will send out several signals that should not be ignored. Unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, digestive issues, jaundice, new-onset diabetes, nausea, and back pain are all potential signs that your pancreas is in trouble. If you notice one or more of these symptoms that don’t improve, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.
