How Can One Strengthen The Pancreas?

— -- Question: I'm Melissa from Monroe. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2000. My question is, from a preventative standpoint, how can one strengthen and support the pancreas?

Answer: Melissa, you've asked a really great question because you can strengthen and support your pancreas, especially if you have new type 2 diabetes. What you can do is try to lose weight, especially, maybe, 5 to 10 percent of your body weight and exercise at a level at least 150 minutes per week, so maybe 30 minutes, five times a week. Doing these two things can really help jumpstart your pancreas. I liken it to jumpstarting a car or the battery in a car. When you lose weight it actually recharges your pancreas a bit and helps it work better. And when you exercise, it also helps your insulin work more efficiently. So combining losing weight and increased activity really can help your pancreas last better.