The pancreas is part of the endocrine and exocrine systems.  The pancreas is an important part of the digestion system, an exocrine system.  However, its primary function for the endocrine system is the regulation of glucose (sugar) in the blood. 

    The pancreas controls the following hormones:

• Insulin -  signals liver and skeletal muscle fibers to convert glucose to glycogen; synthesize fat; reduce appetite.
  
• Glucagon - signals the liver to make more glucose, converting glycogen, fats, and protein into glucose.
• Somatostatin - causes a reduction in nutrient absorption in the small intenstine.
  

The hormones insulin and glucagon control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.  When there is too much or too little glucose in the blood, diabetes can develop, including Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.  Insulin and glucose keep the body supplied with fuel and maintains the amount of energy that is stored in the body.

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