12.7 - Health Issues Related to the Endocrine System

Diabetic mellitus Diabetic mellitus patients have abnormally high level of glucose in their blood. It is caused by insufficient insulin production or failure of the body cells to respond to the insulin properly. Patients experience symptoms such as polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (extreme thirstiness), polyphagia (extreme hunger), blurred vision and slow healing of wounds. Meanwhile, another condition called hypoglycemia happens when the blood glucose level is abnormally low. Hypoglycemic patients are often fatigue, emotionally unstable and having restless nights.

Diabetes insipidus Diabetic insipidus is caused by the failure of the posterior pituitary gland to secrete antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Consequently, patients produce large amount of dilute urine and are often very thirsty. This can lead to dehydration if not enough water is consumed.

Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient thyroxine (thyroid hormone) production. Patients experience symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, increased sensitivity to coldness and bradycardia.

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroxine is being produced. It can lead to weight loss, increased sensitivity to heat, arrhythmia or tachycardia and irritability. The enlarged thyroid gland can grow 2 to 3 times larger than its normal size.

Gigantism and Dwarfism Gigantism is a condition that is cause by over-secretion of the growth hormone (GH), which leads to very long bones. The individual appears very tall or gigantic. On the other hand, dwarfism is short stature due to very low secretion of GH. As a result, they are not developing normally as they grow.