Endocrine System and Diabetes

Study Notes

• The endocrine system influences every cell, organ, and body function, producing and secreting hormones that regulate various bodily processes.

• Endocrine disorders can be caused by either hypersecretion or insufficient secretion of a gland, leading to overactivity or underactivity of the target organ.

• The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, secretes six hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands, playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.

• The thyroid gland secretes hormones in response to the pituitary gland, including calcitonin, which helps maintain normal calcium levels in the blood.

• The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland, secreting digestive enzymes into the duodenum and hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin into the bloodstream.

• Insulin allows glucose to enter individual cells, regulating blood sugar levels, and stimulating the liver to store excess glucose and skeletal muscles to store glycogen.

• Glucagon raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen back into glucose, and when stored glycogen levels are depleted, the cells begin to metabolize fats, proteins, and other non-carbohydrate sources.

• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are two serious endocrine disorders that display overactivity or underactivity of the thyroid gland, respectively.

• Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria, resulting from abnormal insulin secretion or resistance.

• Diabetic emergencies are common endocrine emergencies, including diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome, and hypoglycemia.

• Two types of diabetes exist: type 1 (formerly known as juvenile onset diabetes) and type 2 (formerly known as adult onset diabetes), with type 1 being characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells and type 2 being characterized by insulin resistance.

• Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that may precede the development of type 2 diabetes, characterized by above-normal blood glucose levels or hemoglobin A1c levels.

• Gestational diabetes is a glucose intolerance that can occur during pregnancy, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Description

Test your knowledge of the endocrine system, including the functions of glands like the pituitary and thyroid, and the effects of disorders like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Learn about the different types of diabetes, including type 1 and type 2, and related conditions like pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes.