what does a pancreas do
As the food you eat enters the small intestine, the pancreas releases several chemicals called enzymes. These enzymes help break the food down into sugars, proteins, and fats. The nutrients then move out of the small intestine and into your blood. The pancreas also makes certain chemicals (called hormones) that help control the level of sugar in your blood and cells. These hormones are known as insulin and glucagon. About the time you start eating, your pancreas gets ready to send insulin into your bloodstream.