9.00 Endocrine Disorders - Adult
Section 9.00 Endocrine Disorders A. What is an endocrine disorder? An endocrine disorder is a medical condition that causes a hormonal imbalance. When an endocrine gland functions abnormally, producing either too much of a specific hormone (hyperfunction) or too little (hypofunction), the hormonal imbalance can cause various complications in the body. The major glands of the endocrine system are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pancreas. B. How do we evaluate the effects of endocrine disorders? We evaluate impairments that result from endocrine disorders under the listings for other body systems. For example: 1. Pituitary gland disorders can disrupt hormone production and normal functioning in other endocrine glands and in many body systems. The effects of pituitary gland disorders vary depending on which hormones are involved. For example, when pituitary hypofunction affects water and electrolyte balance in the kidney and leads to diabetes insipidus, we evaluate the effects of recurrent dehydration under 6.00. 2. Thyroid gland disorders affect the sympathetic nervous system and normal metabolism. We evaluate thyroid-related changes in blood pressure and heart rate that cause arrhythmias or other cardiac dysfunction under 4.00; thyroid-related weight loss under 5.00; hypertensive cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) under 11.00; and cognitive limitations, mood disorders, and anxiety under 12.00. 3. Parathyroid gland disorders affect calcium levels in bone, blood, nerves, muscle, and other body tissues. We evaluate parathyroid-related osteoporosis and fractures under 1.00; abnormally elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) that lead to cataracts under 2.00; kidney failure under 6.00; and recurrent abnormally low blood calcium levels (hypocalc Continue reading >>
Stress And Fatigue
We know that blood sugar has a lot to do with diabetes fatigue. High blood glucose levels make blood sludgy; low levels deprive cells of fuel. But stress is also a major factor — it can throw your blood sugar off and make you tired a dozen other ways. Stress is a body’s response to a threat or challenge. Anytime we need to change something, stress kicks in. Historically, a major threat has been physical attack. The stress response, sometimes called the “fight-or-flight” response, enables our bodies to fight or run away from danger. Stress does this by raising our blood sugar levels (to provide fuel to the muscles) and increasing insulin resistance (so the other cells won’t use up the glucose the muscles need). It also raises our heart rate and blood pressure so we can run faster, and increases blood clotting in case we are injured. By increasing insulin resistance, stress can make us extremely tired. Under stress, only the muscles and nerves being used for fight or flight will open to insulin and the glucose it’s carrying. All the other cells are supposed to take a nap. But if the stress goes on a long time, our bodies and brains will not have enough fuel, so they want to just keep napping. The long-term effect of stress can be worse. According to the book Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue, by Kathryn Simpson, MS, stress puts pressure on the adrenal glands. Those glands produce adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA, and other chemicals that make up the stress response. If they have to keep producing at high levels — because stress is at high levels — they start to wear out. Sort of like beta cells are thought to wear out if they have to produce too much insulin. When the adrenals wear down, cortisol levels will drop. That’s when fatigue really sets in. Cortisol helps us Continue reading >>
Patho: Adrenal Gland And Diabetes
Sort Cushing's Syndromes: S/S (8) 1. Abnormal fat deposits (buffalo hump, moon face, increased abdominal deposition) 2. Muscle wasting/weakness, thin extremities 3. Osteoporosis (back pain, rib fractures) 4. Hyperglycemia (increased effects of cortisol) 5. Na+/H2O retention (causing HTN) 6. Immunosuppression/increased infections 7. Emotional instability 8. Females: irregular menstruation and hirsutism (inappropriate hair growth) T2 diabetes linked to metabolic syndrome: what would we see with each of these? 1. FBG levels 2. Abdominal obesity 3. HTN 4. Hyperlipidemia (TG and HDL levels) 1. >100 mg/dL 2. M: >40 in F: >35 in 3. BP >130/85 mmHg 4. TG >150 mg/dL HDL- F: <50 mg/dL M: <40 mg/dL Continue reading >>
- American Diabetes Association® Releases 2018 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, with Notable New Recommendations for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
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Conditions We Treat: Adrenal Disorders
Adrenal glands are small, triangular glands located on top of both kidneys that interact with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands affect metabolism, chemicals in the blood and certain body characteristics. When adrenal glands produce too much or too little of these hormones, they cause a shift, which can have a negative effect on an individual’s health, including his or her ability to cope with physical and emotional stress. Adrenal Disorders: What You Need to Know Symptoms of hormone overproduction, one cause of Cushing’s disease, can include: upper body obesity; round face; increased fat around the neck or a fatty hump between the shoulders; thinning arms and legs; fragile and thin skin; stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts; bone and muscle weakness; severe fatigue; high blood pressure and blood sugar; irritability; and anxiety. In women, excess facial hair and irregular or stopped menstrual cycles can also occur, and men might also experience reduced sex drive and infertility. Symptoms of hormone underproduction, the cause of Addison’s disease, can include: weakness, fatigue, dizziness, dark skin, weight loss, dehydration, lack of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure and low sugar levels. Women may also experience irregular or absent menstrual periods. A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumor that secretes too much epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), hormones responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure, among other functions. Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the central portion of the adrenal gland (the adrenal medulla). The vast majority of these tumors are benign and will not come back after they are Continue reading >>
The Adrenal Gland Volume Measurements In Manifestation Of The Metabolic Status In Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
International Journal of Endocrinology Volume 2016 (2016), Article ID 7195849, 5 pages 1Department of Radiology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey 2Department of Radiology, Bulent Ecevit University School of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey 3Department of Internal Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University School of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey Academic Editor: Daniela Jezova Copyright © 2016 Ismail Serifoglu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Objectives. The aim of our study was to investigate the differences in adrenal gland volume between nondiabetic controls and Type-2 diabetic patients and to examine the influence of glycemic control in diabetes mellitus on adrenal gland volume. Methods. From March 2 to November 25, 2015, 62 consecutive patients with Type-2 DM along with 62 nondiabetics matched by age, gender, and BMI were enrolled in this prospective study. Our diabetes patients were categorized into two groups, well-controlled and poorly controlled diabetes groups. Adrenal volumetric measurements were performed by two radiologists, prospectively and independently, with semiautomatic software. Interobserver reliability was studied using the interobserver correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. The total adrenal volume (TAV) was significantly higher in Type-2 diabetic patients when compared with nondiabetic patients (). When we investigated diabetic patients according to glycemic controls, the TAVs in controlled diabetic patients were significantly higher than in those of the poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetic patients (). Nondiabetic control patients have sig Continue reading >>
How Blood Sugar Affects The Adrenals & Endocrine System
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! Let’s discuss why correcting blood sugar imbalances first is critical to successfully managing any adrenal or endocrine issues. There seem to be a lot of women that have not yet understood how important getting their blood sugar regulated is to their overall hormonal health. Obviously, other factors come into play such as digestion/microbial balance, environment/toxins, heredity and so on. However, addressing blood sugar can be a first and foremost hurdle to overcome in order to begin to set the endocrine system up for recovery and balance. The adrenal glands play a role in blood sugar regulation via the glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are hormones released by the adrenal glands used in glucose metabolism. For the adrenals to take part in blood sugar it’s because of an emergency. In the presence of stress, your adrenal glands will release cortisol. Cortisol stimulates several processes that all work together to increase and maintain normal blood sugar levels, to meet your body’s demands for energy. When the adrenals trigger due to stress, this is when the catecholamines kick in. Such as, adrenaline (epinephrine) which stimulates the liver to convert glycogen back to glucose for release into the bloodstream. Nordrenalin (norepinephrine) shuttles blood away from the deep organs and to the muscles and heart for action. When you have fatigued adrenal glands, cortisol levels drop and make it difficult to maintain normal blood sugar levels. People with adrenal fatigue tend to have low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is another stressful situation that can further tax your adrenal glands. The common scenario of eating excess sugars/starches, even if they are healthier options, is that the bl Continue reading >>
- Practical Approach to Using Trend Arrows on the Dexcom G5 CGM System for the Management of Adults With Diabetes | Journal of the Endocrine Society | Oxford Academic
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The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a unique and essential part of normal body function. Where the nervous system handles functions that happen quickly, like breathing and body movement, the endocrine system handles body functions that happen much slower, such as the growth of cells, organs, and metabolism. Endocrine system keeps the body's hormone and secretion levels in balance. Since there is a whole series of organs and glands that must work in tandem to maintain healthy hormone and secretion levels, when one of them doesn't function the way it's supposed to function, it puts a heavy strain on the rest of the body. This is what happens when the Pancreas stops producing Insulin and a person gets Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where some other part of the body's immune system attacks pancreatic cells, preventing them from producing insulin. Any one of these delicate systems can be the culprit in pushing the body's system out of balance. Taking insulin as a treatment for Type 1 diabetes is just part of the solution to this disorder. If one of the glands or organs is still stressed due to overworking or not getting what it needs, daily insulin levels will fluctuate, making it harder to control Type 1 diabetes. The goal for the person with Type 1 diabetes is to take control of their disorder and maintaining healthy glucose levels. But to understand the delicate balance of the endocrine system and how the diabetic can achieve this goal, it helps to explore the function of each organ and gland. Glands included in the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pineal body and reproductive glands which include the ovaries and the testes. Each one of these systems has a function to help the body stay in ba Continue reading >>
- Practical Approach to Using Trend Arrows on the Dexcom G5 CGM System for the Management of Adults With Diabetes | Journal of the Endocrine Society | Oxford Academic
- FDA Approves MiniMed 670G System – World’s First Hybrid Closed Loop System
- How Does Diabetes Affect Endocrine, Excretory, and Digestive Systems?
Effects Of Streptozotocin-induced Experimental Diabetes On The Morphology And Function Of The Zona Fasciculata Of Rat Adrenal Cortex
Summary The effects of a severe streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the morphology and function of the adrenal zona fasciculata were examined in rats with intact or pharmacologically interrupted hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenal axis. In animals with an intact hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis, STZ-diabetes induced hypertrophy of the cells of the zona fasciculata and a rise in the plasma corticosterone concentration. Conversely, in rats in which the hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis had been interrupted, experimental diabetes provoked atrophy of the zona fasciculata cells, and a lowering in the plasma corticosterone level. The effects of STZ-diabetes were completely reversed by insulin infusion in both groups of rats. The hypothesis is discussed that the chronic lack of insulin may directly inhibit the growth and steroidogenic capacity of the rat zona fasciculata and that this effect of experimental diabetes may be masked in rats with an intact hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis by the concurrent enhancement of ACTH release due to chronic stress resulting from the metabolic consequences of prolonged diabetes. Continue reading >>
Adrenal Glands And Diabetes
The adrenal glands are endocrine, or hormone releasing, and are located on top of the kidneys. They release hormones that are essential to life such as the stress hormone cortisol, which is a corticosteroid, and catecholamines such as adrenaline. Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body respond to stressful situations such as surgery or infection. It also increases blood sugar by stimulating the liver to make glucose and by preventing movement of glucose into the cells. Video of the Day Diabetes is a condition in which a patient has high amounts of blood sugar. This occurs either because the body cannot produce sufficient amounts of insulin, a hormone that transfers glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, or as a result of ineffective usage of insulin by the body, also called insulin resistance. Some common symptoms of diabetes are polyuria, or the need to urinate frequently; polydipsia, or increased thirst; and polyphagia which refers to excessive hunger. Diabetes can occur as a result of various conditions. Causes of Diabetes Diabetes is classified as type 1 or type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the cells that produce insulin are destroyed. This can happen when the antibodies in the body attack and destroy these cells. Development of type 2 diabetes is linked to inactivity, obesity and a family history of the disease. Diabetes can also be caused by pregnancy, diseases such as hemochromatosis and by certain medications. Hormonal imbalance in the adrenal glands can also lead to high blood sugar levels and diabetes. Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands. It happens when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Under normal circumstances, cortisol stimulates the body to produce sugar. When the adrenal glands produce Continue reading >>
- American Diabetes Association® Releases 2018 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, with Notable New Recommendations for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
- Diabetes and Sleep Apnea: How Sleep Affects Blood Glucose and Diabetes
- Diabetes and eye disease: How diabetes affects vision and eye health
Adrenal Tumors
Alternative names: Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Adrenal Adenoma, Pheochromocytoma What are adrenal tumors? What are the signs of adrenal tumors? What causes adrenal tumors? How does my doctor tell if I have adrenal tumors? How are adrenal tumors treated? What are adrenal tumors? The adrenal glands are located on the top of your kidneys, and produce adrenaline, cortisol, aldosterone, and other steroid hormones that enable the body to respond to stress. Adrenal tumors are abnormal growths on the adrenal glands. Most are benign (non-cancerous), and are called adenomas. Malignant adrenal growths (cancers) are rare. What are the signs of adrenal tumors? Most people with adrenal adenomas have no symptoms, and discover these growths only during a CT scan or MRI done for other reasons. Nonfunctioning adenomas don't affect the production of steroid hormones. Adrenal adenomas that increase hormone production are called functioning tumors. These tumors can create different symptoms: An aldosterone tumor makes excess aldosterone, and causes Conn's syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome include high blood pressure and low potassium levels. An adrenal tumor making excess cortisol causes Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. A virilizing adrenal tumor creates excessive androgens, and can cause hair growth, increased muscle mass, acne, and abnormal menstrual periods in women A feminizing adrenal tumor makes extra estrogens, and can create breast growth and impotence in men An adrenal tumor that creates extra adrenaline is a pheochromocytoma. This kind of tumor is located in the inner part of the adrenal gland. It can cause high blood pressure, headaches, panic attacks, and heart palpitations. Cancer of the adrenal glands can cause t Continue reading >>
Overview Of Addison's Disease
Our body uses different hormones to convert the things we eat and drink into usable energy. One of these hormones is called cortisol, which breaks down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates (as well as helping our immune system work properly). Cortisol is manufactured in our adrenal glands, located above each kidney, and regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in our brain. If a body fails to produce enough cortisol, or another hormone called aldosterone, it can lead to a condition called Addison’s Disease. Also called adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s Disease can cause severe stomach pain, low blood pressure, weakness, and even kidney failure. Addison’s disease can be caused by cancer or fungal infections, conditions in endocrine or pituitary glands, or by the immune system attacking the adrenal glands. Fortunately, Addison’s disease is rare and can be treated, helping those who suffer from the condition to live a happy, healthy, and normal life. Symptoms In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, many of the symptoms associated with Addison’s Disease are shared by other conditions, including fatigue and dizziness, weight loss and lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and low blood sugar levels. There are a few side effects, however, that are more specific to Addison’s Disease, including dark skin and bluish-black coloration around the nipples, mouth, and genitals. If someone notices any of these signs, he or she should talk a primary care physician about adrenal insufficiency. Addison’s Disease can be confirmed through blood and urine tests, as well as x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI. Treatment Since Addison’s Disease is caused by a hormone deficiency, treatment involves taking replacement cortisol and perhaps aldosterone to supplement what a bod Continue reading >>
The Endocrine System
Tweet The endocrine system consists of a number of different glands which secrete hormones that dictate how cells and organs behave. The hormones produced by the endocrine system help the body to regulate growth, sexual function, mood and metabolism. The role of the endocrine system The endocrine system is responsible for regulating many of the body's processes. The list below provides a selection of the roles of glands in the endocrine system: Pancreas – regulates blood glucose levels Adrenal gland – increases blood glucose levels and speeds up heart rate Thyroid gland - helps to regulate our metabolism Pituitary gland – stimulates growth Pineal gland – helps to regulate our sleep patterns Ovaries – promote development of female sex characteristics Testes – promote development of male sex characteristics The endocrine system and energy metabolism Metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions which enable the body to sustain life. Energy metabolism is one of these processes and is vital for life. The body is able to use fat, protein and carbohydrate to provide energy. The pancreas plays an important part in energy metabolism by secreting the hormones insulin and glucagon which respectively make glucose and fatty acids available for cells to use for energy. The endocrine system and diabetes Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood glucose levels. Insulin helps to reduce levels of blood glucose whereas glucagon's role is to increase blood glucose levels. In people without diabetes, insulin and glucagon work together to keep blood glucose levels balanced. In diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't respond properly to insulin causing an imbalance between the effects of insulin and glucagon. In type 1 diabetes, the body isn't Continue reading >>
- Practical Approach to Using Trend Arrows on the Dexcom G5 CGM System for the Management of Adults With Diabetes | Journal of the Endocrine Society | Oxford Academic
- FDA Approves MiniMed 670G System – World’s First Hybrid Closed Loop System
- How Does Diabetes Affect Endocrine, Excretory, and Digestive Systems?
Hypoglycemia
Both stress and adrenal fatigue can contribute to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) because of the key roles the adrenal hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol play in blood sugar regulation. Stress (and the anticipation of stress) signals the body to raise blood sugar (glucose) levels in order to generate energy to respond to the stress. If the body cannot meet this higher demand for blood glucose, hypoglycemia can result. Stress may also provoke blood sugar swings that can have a cumulative effect on the body’s ability to maintain blood sugar balance, and aggravate hypoglycemic symptoms. In fact, some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as irritability and nervousness, may sometimes be the effects of high levels of stress hormones rather than of the low blood sugar itself. During adrenal fatigue, when adrenal hormone levels are lower, it becomes harder to maintain blood sugar balance, especially in response the increased demand from stress. It has been known for almost a century that people who are chronically hypoglycemic are often also experiencing adrenal fatigue, and that people going through adrenal fatigue almost always have some form of irregular blood sugar pattern. Hypoglycemia is the most common of these. Hypoglycemia commonly occurs during adrenal fatigue when low epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol are combined with the high insulin levels of stress. The low levels of adrenal hormones that can occur during adrenal fatigue may fail to raise blood glucose enough to meet the increased demand. As a result, the cells do not get the glucose and other nutrients they require, and the person may crave sugar as well as feel tired, shaky and weak. Circulating epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol help the liver convert glycogen (stored glucose) in Continue reading >>
Thirsty Or Urinating More? Diabetes Symptoms Could Be Mistaken For This Rare Disease
Indicators of the condition can also include weight loss. Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days, but many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising. However symptoms of diabetes could also be an indicator of Addison’s disease - which is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands and needs life-long treatment. In fact, it is more common for people with type 1 diabetes to develop Addison’s disease. The adrenal glands - which produce two essential hormones - are found just on top of the kidneys. In Addison’s disease, the glands are damaged and the hormones aren’t produced as efficiently as possible. It can be caused by a problem with the immune system, which can attack healthy tissues and organs. Symptoms of Addison’s disease could be mistaken for diabetes or even flu. They include fatigue and tiredness, muscle weakness, low mood, increased thirst, loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. Tue, February 21, 2017 Addison's disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands that affects the production of essential hormones; cortisol and aldosterone. Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for. People suffering with the disease might also find they crave salty foods and or are dehydrated. However, experts warn these symptoms can become worse with time and could lead to fainting, dizziness and exhaustion. People can find they feel sick or even vomit - and suffer low blood pressure which can cause fainting. The condition can even cause lips, gums or skin to get darker. NHS Choices said: “The condition is usually the result of a problem with the immune system, which causes it to attack the outer layer of the adrenal gland, disrupting the production of steroid hormones aldosterone and cortisol. “It's not clear why this happens, Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar And Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue and diabetes often go hand in hand, impacting the body’s ability to handle stress and maintain healthy blood sugar levels, among their many other regulatory functions. If you already have diabetes or think you might be headed there, it’s important to become aware of these glands, their role, and how they (and you) can become exhausted from outside stress, poor diet/nutrition and especially caffeine. The adrenals are two small glands located above each kidney that produce hormones such as norepinephrine (adrenaline), DHEA and cortisol to help you handle physical, emotional and psychological stress. Adrenaline is released to help you in stressful situations in which a burst of energy is required to help sustain you. DHEA gets converted into estrogen, testosterone and other steroid hormones, slowing in production as we age. Cortisol contributes to a strong immune system, balances blood sugar and regulates blood pressure. Low levels of DHEA and high levels of cortisol, brought on my stress, can contribute to a number of health problems such as heart disease, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, premature aging and diabetes. Hormonal imbalances directly impact the body’s production and processing of insulin, ability to burn glucose and increase insulin resistance. They also contribute to weight gain and vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. Although excessive stress is the ultimate cause of adrenal fatigue, a high sugar diet, caffeine and smoking can all contribute to their exhaustion. In relation to stimulants, the adrenal glands are forced to work harder to produce more adrenaline, putting the body into a "fight or flight" response, which over time can completely drain them and impair their ability to do their job. Some additional symptoms Continue reading >>
