Human digestive system gland in the digestive system. It is both an endocrine gland and an exocrine gland. The endocrine part secretes insulin when the blood sugar becomes high; insulin moves glucose from the blood into the muscles and other tissues for use as energy. The endocrine part releases glucagon when the blood sugar is low; glucagon allows stored sugar to be broken down into glucose by the liver in order to re-balance the sugar levels. The pancreas produces and releases important digestive enzymes in the pancreatic juice that it delivers to the duodenum. The pancreas lies below and at the back of
Insulin resistance the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also, insulin resistance often is associated with a hypercoagulable state (impaired fibrinolysis) and increased inflammatory cytokine levels. Another factor that may promote insulin resistance is Leptin, a hormone produced from the ob gene and adipocytes. Its physiological role is to regulate hunger by alerting the body when it is full. From an adaptation perspective, it is possible that leptin resistance was favorable for survival during periods when food was scarce. Today however studies show that lack of leptin causes severe obesity and is strongly linked with insulin resistance. Leptin replacement in mice with