Imagine waking up every morning feeling thirsty, tired, and drained of energy. You may think it’s due to stress, but what if it’s a disease silently affecting you? This happens when you have diabetes – the most common disease treated by an endocrinologist.
Do you know what endocrinology or endocrinologists are?
The study of hormones such as thyroid hormones, growth hormone, and insulin focusing on endocrine organs such as thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, pancreas, and pituitary is known as endocrinology. A medical specialty that deals with the endocrine system (glands secreting hormones), which controls hormones (chemicals affecting organ systems) in the human body.
An endocrinologist is a qualified doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating endocrine system disorders where hormone-producing glands exist.
Endocrine dysfunction is treated by an endocrinologist due to an increase or decrease in hormone secretion. Let’s overview some common diseases:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disorders
- Pituitary disorders
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Osteoporosis
Do you constantly feel thirsty? Does your wound heal slowly?
It may be a sign of early diabetes. It occurs when a gland behind the stomach, the pancreas, does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin properly. When you eat, blood glucose levels rise, and the pancreas releases insulin to normalize glucose levels by helping glucose enter cells. But glucose alone cannot enter cells and requires insulin for transportation. People with diabetes produce insufficient insulin or have none, leading to hyperglycemia. This metabolic disease, characterized by high blood sugar levels, may cause:
- Blindness
- Nerve damage
- Heart attacks
- Kidney failure
- Stroke
There are two major types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes, also called Juvenile diabetes, is a destructive process where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, causing an absolute lack of insulin. It is usually seen in children or young people.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body resists insulin. Muscle and fat cells are mostly affected, leading to insulin resistance. Adults and occasionally children are diagnosed with this.
Did you know half of those who have diabetes don’t even know? But, how to find out if you’re at risk? Here are some early symptoms:
- Excessive thirst
- Feeling tired and weak
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mood swings and irritability
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing wounds and infections
- Frequent urination
If you have these symptoms, consider getting tested. Sometimes, diabetes may take longer to show symptoms. Early testing can prevent complications. Doctors diagnose diabetes through several tests:
- Fasting Plasma Test (FPG) – Blood sample taken after fasting for 8-12 hours. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Random Glucose Test – Blood sample taken randomly. If glucose is 200 mg/dL or higher, diabetes is diagnosed.
- Antibody Test – Detects antibodies against pancreatic proteins to distinguish type 1 diabetes from other types.
- Glycated Hemoglobin (A1c) Test – Measures average glucose levels over two to three months. A hemoglobin level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Blood sugar measured after drinking 75 grams of glucose. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours confirms diabetes.
How can a person treat and manage it?
Type 1 diabetes is not curable, while type 2 may sometimes be prevented. It can be managed with proper treatment. But what do endocrinologists do?
When blood sugar levels are hard to control or complications arise, an endocrinologist provides guidance on medications, diet, and exercise. Making healthy choices helps in management. Patients with type 1 diabetes always need insulin, while others may require oral medications, insulin, or other injected medicines. Regulating blood sugar is essential. Frequent blood sugar, eye, and foot tests are necessary as small habits lead to bigger changes.
Untreated diabetes leads to complications. The longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk. Possible complications include nerve damage, retinopathy, foot ulcers, and heart disease. Education on diabetes symptoms and care is essential.
Diabetes is widespread but manageable with medical support. An endocrinologist can play a key role in diagnosing and treating hormonal dysfunction. Understanding symptoms, risks, and diagnostic methods allows early intervention. With proper medical guidance, lifestyle changes, and management, a healthy life is possible.
