Endocrine System & Hormone Function

• HCAP 1210 is about the endocrine system

Endocrine System Overview

• The endocrine system comprises glands known as endocrine glands.
• Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
• Hormones regulate the activities of various organs and glands throughout the body.

Endocrine System: Glands

• Key glands in the body related to the endocrine system include: thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females), pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testes (in males).

Pituitary Gland

• It is referred to as the master gland because of its role in regulating other endocrine glands.
• It is positioned at the base of the brain, behind the eyes.
• The anterior pituitary lobe secretes growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and hormones that regulate growth, development, and the function of male and female reproductive systems.
• The posterior pituitary lobe secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

Thyroid Gland

• This gland is located in the neck, right in front of the larynx.
• It plays a major role in metabolism, growth, and overall human body development.
• It regulates bodily functions by consistently releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
• The thyroid gland regulates body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism.
• It secretes thyroid hormone (T3-thyroxine, T4-triiodothyronine) and calcitonin.
• Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to decreased production of thyroid hormone.
• Hypothyroidism results in slowed-down body processes, which can be treated with thyroid supplements.
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: thinning hair/hair loss, loss of eyebrow hair, puffy face, enlarged thyroid, dry and coarse skin, slow heartbeat, constipation, poor appetite, cool extremities & swelling of limbs, infertility & heavy menstruation, carpal tunnel syndrome, weight gain, poor memory, intolerance to cold, feeling of tiredness.
• Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone.
• With hyperthyroidism all of the body's processes are regulated by the thyroid hormone, so they all speed up due to excess hormone
• Hyperthyroidism treatment involves surgical removal or radioactive iodine administration to destroy thyroid cells.
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: fine brittle hair and hair loss, increased perspiration, enlarged liver, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hand tremors, bulging eyes, enlarged thyroid, abnormal heart rhythms, increased appetite, loss of libido & amenorrhea, irritability & hyperactivity, high blood sugar, intolerance to heat, low serum cholesterol.

Adrenal Glands

• There are two adrenal glands, with one located on top of each kidney.
• The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.
• The adrenal cortex secretes three groups of hormones that are needed for life: Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, and Small amounts of male and female sex hormones

Gonads

• These are the glands responsible for human reproduction.
• Male sex glands (testes) produce and secrete testosterone.
• Female sex glands (ovaries) produce and secrete estrogen and progesterone.
• The most common endocrine disorder is diabetes.
• 9 million Canadians live with diabetes.
• Risk factors for it are a family history, obesity, increasing age (over 40), and Aboriginal descent.
• The pancreas is about 6 inches long and is located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach.
• Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas.
• Insulin allows glucose to move from the blood into the cells for energy.
• Glucose comes from the breakdown of carbohydrates with the foods we eat.
• Diabetes is a disorder in which the body cannot produce or effectively use insulin.
• Hyperglycemia results if not enough insulin being produced in the pancreas, so sugar builds up in the blood

Diabetes Recap

• Your body requires food in the form of glucose(sugar) to give energy to cells.
• Food that we eat and drink get broken down to glucose.
• The insulin that releases will transport glucose through the bloodstream to the cells so there is energy for body activities.
• The amount of glucose is regulated by the released hormone insulin.
• The pancreas will release more insulin to push more glucose into the cells if the level rises in the blood
• Diabetes are when your pancreas does not make insulin or our cells need to be resistant to insulin.
• Severe complications in diabetes occur because higher levels of sugar that circulates in the blood.

Types of Diabetes

• There are three types: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
• Type 1 diabetes appears most often in children, teenagers, and young adults due to the little or no insulin produces in the pancreas.
• Type 2 diabetes can appear at any age because the pancreas produce insulin; however, there is receptor insensitivity
• People over 40 years old, being over weight, not exercising, and having hypertension are risk factors.
• Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth.
• Mothers with gestational diabetes more at risk for type 2 diabetes afterwards.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Pancreas cannot produce ANY types of insulin which results to hyperglycemia.
• Clients develop symptoms in early disease & will get daily insulin injections & blood sugar checks
• Also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Type 2 Diabetes

• Typically develops in adulthood although children can be affected as well due to higher fast food and sugar diets.
• It is the most common type of diabetes.
• Either the pancreas produces not enough insulin or the body is unable to use the produced insulin.
• 80% of Canadians that are at high risk for diabetes come from these population: Indigenous, Hispanic, Asians, South Asians, and African descent.
• Those with hyperglycemia may not see symptoms.

Diabetes Treatment

• Diabetes has no cure currently.
• Diabetes type 1 treated with daily insulin therapy, healthy eating, and exercise.
• Diabetes type 2 treated with healthy eating and exercise.
• To help lose weight, type 2 diabetes take oral drugs.
• Each one with diabetes need to follow up with their diet.
• Regular exercise can help for low blood sugar levels and losing weight.
• Physicians need to exact right type of insulin and dose to prevent any complications

Treatment with Blood Glucose Monitoring

Blood glucose is monitored daily or three to four times a day

• For hypoglycemia (low sugar in the blood)
• Hyperglycemia (high sugar in the blood)
• Signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia noted in Table 37-1 (p. 875).
• Blood glucose monitoring is considered a that you may be trained to perform

Normal Blood Sugar Ranges

• For Normal blood sugar levels
• Fasting and before meals: 4.0 to 7.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
• After meals: 5.0 - 10.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
• Blood sugar two hours after eating: 5.0 to 10.0 (5.0 – 8.0 if A1C** targets not being met)

Blood Sugar Levels for Hypoglycemia

• Less then 4.0mmol/L that causes too much insulin or diabetes medication, omitting or delaying a meal, eating little food, too much exercise and vomiting.
• The warning signs and Symptoms are divided into 2 phases: The first phase is hunger, Weakness, Trembling, shakiness, Sweating, Headache, Dizziness, Faintness, Irritability, anxiety, Confusion, disintegration, Rapid pulse, Low blood pressure and Rapid, shallow breathing. The second phase is changes in vision, Cold, clammy skin, Unconsciousness, and Convulsions.
• Over than 10.0mmol/L, causes are undiagnosed Diabetes, Not enough insulin or diabetes meds, Overeating, or eating wrong kinds of food, Too little exercise, and Stress- physical or emotional.
• The first parts of the warning sign and symptoms are Tiredness or fatigue, Excessive hunger(polyphagia), Excessive thirst (polydia) Frequent urination (polyuria), Leg cramps, Blurred vision, Dry itchy skin, Flulike achiness, Sweet breath odor, Headache, Flushed face, and Rapid weak pulse. The second parts of the warning sign and symptoms are low blood pressure, slow, deep & labored breathing, confusion, vomiting and convolutions

Diabetes Complications

• Foot & leg wounds have profound complications in diabetics leading to infection & gangrene and possibility of amputation.
• The need for regular treatment requires proper Foot & nail care provided by professional foot care, nurse or podiatrist Corns, blisters, calluses on feet can lead to infection & may lead to amputation

Diabetes must be controlled for

• Blindness
• Kidney disease
• Nerve damage
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Circulatory disorders (which can lead to stroke, heart attack, slow wound healing).
• Too much insulin leads to Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Types 1 and 2 involve blood pressure, blood, cholesterol, and leads to coronary artery disease

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

• It is a buildup of acids called ketones in a persons blood.
• It can happens if person blood sugar is way too high for a long period of time.
• Can be life threading, but can take many hours to becoming too serious.
• Most diabetics can treat and prevent DKA.
• It happens of the body doesn't have enough inuslin.
• Body cells cant use the sugar from the blood for the body to use, instead uses instead.
• Key things to know is a fruity smelling breath!

Diabetes & the Importance of Foot Care

• Can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow leading in the legs and feet.
• As a result people with diabetes are more prone to feeling foot injury such as blister.
• Injuries can make it harder to feel.
• When unnoticed and untreated, can lead to serious complications

Daily Foot Care

• Daily foot care involves washing your residents feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don't soak the feet, as this can dry your skin.
• Dry your residents feet carefully, especially between your toes.
• Thoroughly check your residents feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc.
• Apply a good lotion to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don't put lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture can promote infection
• Wear fresh clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day. Whenever possible, wear white socks - if you have a cut or sore, thee drainage will be easy to see.
• Elevate your feet when you are sitting.
• Wiggle your toes and move your ankles around for a few minutes several times a day to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.

Role as a Health Care Worker

• As a support worker, you need to also follow this: Client needs to be inspected and monitored for any signs of cuts or lesions. You need to inform which your patients is IIDM or NIDDM. Make sure you read and record the food the clients eat. If the client has any sugar or coffee, you need to make sure it safe for the patient
• Make sure you follow up with clients to see what there needs are. A substitute for Splenda needs to be offered to a client you're serving. Remind yourself; to be aware of food plans and nutrition!
• Note that you need to record at any plans made, even on the responsibility side!
• Make sure you have good snack, a drink. At any point, something not consumed can be an alternative so that there are no changes.

Explore the endocrine system, including hormone function, diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), pituitary and thyroid disorders. Understand glucose regulation, insulin's role, and the effects of hormonal imbalances.