Blood Tests That Show Pancreas Issues
The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach that plays an important role in digestion and metabolism. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones that control blood sugar levels. When the pancreas isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and fatigue.
To diagnose pancreatic disorders, doctors often turn to blood tests. These tests can help detect changes in pancreatic enzymes and hormones, which can indicate a problem with the pancreas. Here are some of the most common blood tests used to check for pancreatic issues.
Amylase is an enzyme produced in the pancreas and salivary glands. An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood. Higher levels of amylase can indicate pancreatitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas.
Lipase is an enzyme produced in the pancreas. A lipase test measures the amount of lipase in your blood. High levels of lipase can indicate pancreatitis.
Glucose is a type of sugar that is produced in the pancreas and used by the body for energy. A glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood. High levels of glucose can indicate diabetes, a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. An insulin test measures the amount of insulin in your blood. Low levels of insulin can indicate diabetes.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced in the liver. A CRP test measures the amount of CRP in your blood. High levels of CRP can indicate inflammation in the pancreas.
Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a hormone produced in the pancreas. A PP test measures the amount of PP in your blood. Low levels of PP can indicate pancreatic cancer.
CA 19-9 is a protein produced in the pancreas. A CA 19-9 test measures the amount of CA 19-9 in your blood. High levels of CA 19-9 can indicate pancreatic cancer.
Blood tests can be useful in detecting pancreatic issues, but they are not the only way to diagnose these disorders. Other tests, such as imaging, may also be needed to make a diagnosis. If you have any concerns about your pancreas, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
