Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology

Department Overview

The Department of  Endocrinology & Diabetology tenders expert care for hormone-related conditions. These hormones are controlled by the pituitary, thyroid and other glands of the endocrine system. Hormones regulate our body cells, organs, and their functioning. The risk factors, causes and treatment of conditions related to endocrinology and diabetology are elaborated below.

Who is an endocrinologist and a diabetologist?

Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists are experts who major in the body’s endocrine system, organs, glands and hormones. Subsequently, they are the ones who are cognizant of the functioning of every organ and gland, the manner in which they make hormones, the metabolism of the body, and the changes in the body because of the adjustment of the chemical hormones. However, an endocrinologist’s opinion is necessary for effective insulin therapy or in the case of newly diagnosed diabetics.

Diabetologist

Diabetologists are specialists who help in diagnosing, managing, and treating diabetes.

Common Endocrine related disorder

Other related endocrine disorders include

• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Cushing’s disease
• Gigantism
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypopituitarism
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia I and II (MEN I and MEN II)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Precocious puberty

Common diabetes related disorders

Diabetes is commonly prevailed among people these days and there a few types of diabetes which include

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Prediabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Diabetes Ketoacidosis during Diabetes Management
• Diabetic Neuropathy – Nerve Disorders
• Diabetic Nephropathy – Kidney Disorders
• Foot pain caused due to diabetes
• Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

Less common types of diabetes include:

• Monogenic diabetes syndromes
• Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes
• Drug or chemical-induced diabetes

Symptoms of endocrine disorders

The symptoms of endocrine disorders can range from mild or even nonexistent to serious and affect the entire body and overall feeling of well-being. Specific symptoms depend on the specific part of the endocrine system affected. Endocrine disorders are usually diagnosed after matching the signs and symptoms with blood tests that include hormone levels.

• A genetic disorder (multiple endocrine neoplasia [MEN] or congenital hypothyroidism)
• Idiopathic (cause unknown)
• Infections
• Poor lifestyle habits
• Injury to the endocrine gland
• Tumor of the endocrine gland
• Major stress
• Changes in the blood’s fluids
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Pregnancy can trigger some endocrine disorders (thyroid and diabetes)

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine related conditions. Diabetes is an ailment that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or when the body cannot effectively use insulin.

Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:

• Increased thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Extreme hunger.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin)
• Fatigue.
• Irritability

Risk factors of endocrine disorders

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Genetic history of endocrine disorders
• Inactivity
• History of autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes
• Poor diet
• Pregnancy (in cases such as hyperthyroidism)
• Recent surgery, trauma, infection, or serious injury

Potential complications of Endocrinology

• Anxiety or insomnia (in many thyroid conditions)
• Coma (in hypothyroidism)
• Depression (in many thyroid conditions)
• Heart disease
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage or failure
• Poor quality of life

Treatment for Endocrine disorders

• Hormone Therapy
• Medications
• Surgery

Risk factors of diabetology

Type 1 Diabetes

• Family History
• Age

Type 2 Diabetes

• Prediabetes
• Overweight
• 45 years or older
• Family history with Type 2 Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle

Gestational Diabetes

• Obesity
• Glucose intolorence
• Family history
• Ethnic background
• Age

Treatment for Diabetes

• Insulin injection
• Blood sugar checks
• Healthy eating
• Increased physical activities

When should a diabetes patient visit an endocrinologist?

• If a person is newly diagnosed with diabetes.
• When diabetes management has worsened. In such a situation, the endocrinologist shall help in giving insights on insulin therapy or Pancreas removal surgery.
• If a person is using more insulin therapy.
• When the diabetes treatment is not effective enough.

When someone is diabetic, their doctor may ask them to visit an Endocrinologist to gain proper information on the Insulin role for their body. With this understanding Insulin therapy and medicines can be precisely prescribed for effective diabetes management.