讀後心得

Many people have heard of fatty liver, but do you know about fatty pancreas? Medical research indicates that fatty pancreas is closely linked to diabetes and pancreatic cancer, especially in certain high-risk groups where its incidence may be higher than expected. Fatty pancreas refers to the accumulation of fat in the pancreas, which is related to diet and lack of exercise. Dr. Lin Xianghong reminds us that in Taiwan, about 1 in 3 fatty liver patients also have fatty pancreas, with a prevalence rate of 16%. Long-term fat accumulation may lead to pancreatitis, and only by adopting a healthy lifestyle early on, adjusting diet and exercise, can we effectively reduce the risk. Avoiding alcohol is also an important step in maintaining pancreatic health.

Most people have heard of fatty liver but may not be familiar with "fatty pancreas." Medical research shows that "fatty pancreas" is closely related to diabetes and is also linked to pancreatic cancer, often referred to as the "king of cancers"! Experts remind us that the occurrence of fatty pancreas may be more common than we think, with six specific groups of people being at the highest risk!

Many people think that only fatty liver exists, but fat can actually accumulate in the pancreas as well. When we consume excessive greasy foods and lack exercise, the body stores the excess fat. If this fat accumulates in the liver, it forms fatty liver; if it accumulates in the pancreas, it leads to fatty pancreas.

Research indicates that one in three people in Taiwan has fatty liver, with a prevalence of fatty pancreas as high as 16%. Although the mechanism of fatty pancreas formation is similar to that of fatty liver, the sensitivity of the pancreas is higher. Moreover, excessive fat accumulation impacts insulin secretion, leading to decreased insulin sensitivity and possibly evolving into insulin resistance, thereby increasing the risk of diabetes! Studies have shown that about half of patients with fatty pancreas also have diabetes issues.

Fatty pancreas is closely related to metabolic syndrome, which inadvertently promotes cardiovascular diseases. As a result, patients with fatty pancreas often have hypertension, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids, further increasing the risks of arteriosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction! Evidence shows that up to 62% of pancreatic cancer patients have fatty pancreas, which is six times that of the normal population! Excess fat cells can lead to an increase in pro-inflammatory factors in the blood while lowering anti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in cellular hypoxia that promotes cancer transformation.

Fatty pancreas is particularly likely to appear in specific populations. High-risk groups can be divided into two categories: the first includes those with metabolic syndrome, characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, and high blood sugar; the second includes long-term drinkers, as alcohol can gradually replace pancreatic cells with fat cells, impacting pancreatic function.

• Abdominal obesity
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• High triglycerides
• Low high-density (good) cholesterol
• Frequent alcohol consumption

Therefore, people who are not overweight may not be able to rule out the risk of fatty pancreas, as abdominal obesity and excessive waist circumference often indicate visceral fat issues more than body weight. If a man's waist exceeds 90 centimeters or a woman's exceeds 80 centimeters, special attention should be given to the possible risks.

In daily life, one can improve the situation by adjusting lifestyle habits, such as reducing the intake of refined sugars and refined starches, and choosing healthy fresh foods, which can help improve metabolic conditions. Additionally, maintaining a regular exercise routine not only helps control body fat but also increases insulin sensitivity. Lastly, avoiding alcohol to reduce fat storage in the pancreas are all good methods to protect pancreatic health!