A guide to what the pancreas is, and how it works to digest food and make hormones such as insulin. The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen with two key functions: digestion and blood sugar regulation. It's about the size of your hand. During digestion, your pancreas makes pancreatic juices called enzymes. These enzymes break down sugars, fats, and starches. Your pancreas also helps your digestive system by making hormones. Learn more about your pancreas by watching this video. Find out more about pancreatic cancer types go to: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer