Prefer to listen without the ads? Become a Ben Bikman Insider.
Summary: The Pancreas — Endocrine and Exocrine
Your pancreas does more than most people realize. It’s both a hormone factory and a digestive powerhouse, working behind the scenes to keep your metabolism and digestion running smoothly.
The Endocrine Pancreas
This side of the pancreas produces hormones that regulate blood sugar and energy use.
Insulin helps your body store glucose and build up energy after eating.
Glucagon does the opposite — it releases stored energy when you’re fasting or exercising.
These two hormones work like a seesaw, keeping blood sugar steady and helping the body switch between burning and storing fuel. When insulin stays high for too long — often due to frequent snacking or high-carb diets — the body becomes insulin resistant, leading to metabolic issues like type 2 diabetes.
The Exocrine Pancreas
The other side of the pancreas produces digestive juices. Every day, it sends enzymes into the small intestine to break down carbs, fats, and proteins so your body can absorb nutrients.
If this function weakens — as in conditions like chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis — nutrient absorption and overall health can suffer.
Why Balance Matters
These two sides constantly communicate. If one side fails, the other often struggles. In diabetes, insulin loss can cause digestive problems; in chronic pancreatitis, digestive damage can lead to blood sugar issues. Supporting your metabolism through diet, exercise, and balanced eating patterns helps keep both systems healthy.
Closing:
The pancreas is truly a metabolic multitasker — balancing energy, digestion, and overall health. When you care for your metabolism, you’re also caring for this vital organ. Watch the full lecture above to learn more about how the endocrine and exocrine sides of the pancreas work together.
10-Day Free Trial!
Start your journey toward better health today by taking control of your metabolic future, with the support you need for success.