Diabetes and Endocrinology

Diabetes mellitus is commonly known as diabetes. It is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period. Symptoms of high blood glucose include frequent urination, increased thirst, and hunger. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or even death. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that deals with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions such as hormones. It is also concerned with the integration of developmental events, proliferation, growth, differentiation, and the psychological or behavioural activities of metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sleep, digestion, respiration, excretion, mood, stress, lactation, movement, reproduction, and sensory perception caused by hormones. The endocrine system consists of several glands in different parts of the body that secrete hormones directly into the blood rather than into a duct system. Therefore, these glands are regarded as ductless glands.