What Happens When the Pancreas Stops Producing Insulin?
Understanding Insulin’s Role
Insulin is a key hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use glucose (sugar) from food for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells — leading to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
What Happens When Insulin Production Stops?
When the pancreas no longer produces insulin, type 1 diabetes or advanced stages of type 2 diabetes can occur.
Immediate effects include:
- Persistent high blood sugar
- Excessive thirst & frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
If untreated, it can lead to:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a life-threatening condition where the body breaks down fat too quickly, producing toxic acids
- Organ damage over time (eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves)
Why the Pancreas Stops Making Insulin
- Autoimmune attack on insulin-producing beta cells (Type 1 Diabetes)
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Genetic factors
- Advanced uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Managing Life Without Pancreatic Insulin
If your pancreas stops making insulin, external insulin therapy is essential for survival.
Treatment may include:
- Daily insulin injections or insulin pump therapy
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
- Diet & lifestyle modifications
Expert Care in Hyderabad
If you have unexplained fatigue, extreme thirst, or sudden weight loss, it’s important to check your blood sugar and pancreatic health.
Dr. Pavan K Addala, leading gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, provides advanced evaluation and treatment for pancreatic disorders and diabetes-related complications.
