Pancreatic means relating to the pancreas, an important organ tucked behind your stomach that does two essential jobs for your body.

First, the pancreas makes digestive enzymes, special chemicals that help break down the food you eat into nutrients your body can use. Without these enzymes, your body couldn't properly digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Second, the pancreas produces hormones like insulin that control your blood sugar levels. When someone has diabetes, their pancreas either doesn't make enough insulin or their body can't use it properly.

You'll often see pancreatic in medical contexts: doctors might discuss pancreatic cancer, pancreatic enzymes, or pancreatic disease. Scientists who study digestion pay close attention to pancreatic function because this organ plays such a vital role in keeping us healthy.