Week 2: The Endocrine System

We covered various disruptions to homeostasis of the endocrine system: glucose, adrenal, and thyroid.

Glucose Imbalances

The disruption of glucose homeostasis leads to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) destroys the body's ability to process glucose, leading to hyperglycemia (a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream) and starvation of insulin-dependent cells. Unmanaged T1DM can result in life-threatening Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) develops from chronic hyperglycemia and reduces the body's sensitivity to insulin. Unmanaged T2DM can cause Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome.

Adrenal Imbalances

The adrenal gland is critical to the stress response and produces...

• cortisol in response to stress.
• aldosterone in response to hypotension.

Cushing's Disease develops from chronic elevated cortisol. Addison’s Disease develops from chronic, insufficient cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens due to adrenal impairment, and carries an increased risk of adrenal crisis.

Thyroid Imbalances

The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and long-bone growth via production of thyroid hormone (T4).

Hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease develop from chronic elevated T4, which carries an increased risk of thyroid storm. Hypothyroidism results from chronic insufficient T4.