Endocrine System Major Disorders Description

What is Acromegaly?

A hormonal disorder characterized by abnormal growth of the hands and feet.

Who is most commonly affected by acromegaly?

Middle Aged Men

What are the complications of untreated acromegaly?

• Arthritis

• Diabetes mellitus

• Hypertension

• Increased cardiovascular disease risk

• Premature death

What happens in Addison’s disease?

Damage to the adrenal cortex causes decreased production of adrenocortical hormones.

What is Cushing’s disease?

A rare disorder characterized by excessive secretion of ACTH, leading to increased cortisol production.

How does excessive ACTH affect cortisol levels?

Increased ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release more cortisol.

Memory tip: ↑ ACTH → ↑ Cortisol

What is diabetes mellitus?

A condition in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or properly use the insulin produced, resulting in poor blood glucose control.

What is insulin, and what does it do?

A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose for energy.

What causes insulin deficiency or dysfunction in diabetes mellitus?

• Insufficient insulin production

• Inability of cells to use insulin properly (insulin resistance)

• A combination of both

What are the three types of diabetes mellitus?

1. Type 1 diabetes

2. Type 2 diabetes

3. Gestational diabetes

Memory tip: Type 1 = insulin production problem. Type 2 = insulin use problem (insulin resistance is common).

What was the former name of type 1 diabetes?

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

At what age is type 1 diabetes typically diagnosed?

In children, teens, and young adults

What happens to insulin production in type 1 diabetes?

The body produces insufficient insulin or none at all.

What is the suspected cause of type 1 diabetes?

A possible autoimmune response in which the body attacks insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. The exact cause is unknown.

How does insufficient insulin affect blood glucose and body cells?

Blood glucose rises, while cells receive insufficient glucose for normal metabolism.

Why is careful monitoring essential in type 1 diabetes?

To properly regulate insulin levels and manage blood glucose.

What was the former name of type 2 diabetes?

Non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Which type of diabetes is the most common?

Type 2 diabetes

What condition is type 2 diabetes commonly associated with?

Obesity

Why is type 2 diabetes increasingly diagnosed in children and teens?

Increasing rates of childhood and adolescent obesity

What is gestational diabetes?

A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Around what week of pregnancy is gestational diabetes generally diagnosed?

Around the 24th week

What is important for a mother with gestational diabetes?

Closely monitor blood sugar levels and receive routine prenatal care

What usually happens to gestational diabetes after childbirth?

It usually disappears after the baby is born.

What is a possible long-term risk of gestational diabetes?

The mother may have a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus later in life.

Gestational diabetes = Pregnancy → Monitor glucose → Usually resolves after birth → Increased future diabetes risk

What is dwarfism?

A group of conditions characterized by shorter-than-normal skeletal growth in the arms, legs, or trunk.

What is the defined adult height for dwarfism, and what is the average height?

No taller than 4 ft 10 in; average height is around 4 ft.

What is the most common form of dwarfism?

Achondroplasia

When is achondroplasia diagnosed?

At birth.

Does achondroplasia affect males and females equally?

Yes, it affects both equally.

How common is achondroplasia?

Approximately 1 in every 26,000–40,000 infants

At least what percentage of infants with achondroplasia have parents of average height?

At least 80%.

How does achondroplasia affect motor and intellectual development?

Motor skills may be delayed, but intellectual development is normal

Can people of short stature achieve personal and professional goals?

Yes. They can lead fulfilled lives and achieve educational, career, and personal ambitions.

What is gigantism?

A rare disease caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion during childhood, before the bone growth plates close.

When is gigantism diagnosed?

During childhood.

What is the difference between gigantism and acromegaly?

Gigantism occurs during childhood before growth plate closure; acromegaly is diagnosed in adulthood.

What characterizes hyperthyroidism?

Elevated thyroid hormone levels.

What is the most common form of hyperthyroidism?

Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.

Who is more commonly affected by Graves’ disease?

Women more than men

What is hypothyroidism?

A condition in which the thyroid produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.

How does hypothyroidism differ from hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism = low thyroid hormones; hyperthyroidism = elevated thyroid hormones

Why is early hypothyroidism difficult to diagnose?

It develops slowly, and its symptoms are vague.

Approximately how common is hypothyroidism in the United States, according to your notes?

5 out of every 100 people (5%).

Why is untreated hypothyroidism associated with a higher risk of heart disease?

High levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) can develop.

What heart complication can occur with hypothyroidism?

Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart).