In the presence of multiple associated clinical conditions (e.g. diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia), a more general adult evaluation may also be indicated: discover our Internal Medicine visit.
The endocrine system is one of the main systems through which the body transmits information, controls and coordinates its functions. Endocrine diseases occur when hormones produced by the glands are insufficient or in excess relative to the body’s needs, causing hormonal imbalances that affect the metabolism of various organs and tissues.
The endocrine glands most frequently affected by disease are: thyroid, parathyroid glands, pituitary, hypothalamus, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease that destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin (the hormone that regulates glucose uptake into cells). This creates an insulin deficit that causes excess glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). The kidneys are often overloaded and glucose is excreted in the urine (glycosuria). The body is forced to produce energy in other ways by forming ketone bodies, whose accumulation leads to various imbalances, up to coma.
It often appears in childhood and adolescence.
There is a genetic predisposition, but other events (immune and/or environmental factors) must also occur for the disease to develop.
There are still no methods to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus, whereas a healthy diet and physical exercise reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by 60%.
Insulin replacement therapy is essential for the survival of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, who must learn to regulate carbohydrate intake to keep blood glucose levels under control.
For type 2 diabetes mellitus there are several classes of drugs that regulate blood glucose, but the first therapeutic step involves lifestyle: eating correctly, reaching a healthy weight and limiting sedentary behavior (which worsens insulin resistance).
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes (90% of cases) and is typical of adulthood. In 80% of cases the patient is obese, although unfortunately it is increasingly seen in overweight young people as well.
It is characterized by a deficit in insulin secretion associated with tissue resistance to insulin (insulin resistance), resulting in elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia).
An estimated 1 million Italians have type 2 diabetes mellitus without knowing it.
There is a genetic susceptibility, but the disease is strongly precipitated by environmental factors such as obesity, high caloric intake and sedentary lifestyle.
There are still no methods to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus, whereas a healthy diet and physical exercise reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by 60%.
Insulin replacement therapy is essential for the survival of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, who must learn to regulate carbohydrate intake to keep blood glucose levels under control.
For type 2 diabetes mellitus there are several classes of drugs that regulate blood glucose, but the first therapeutic step involves lifestyle: eating correctly, reaching a healthy weight and limiting sedentary behavior (which worsens insulin resistance).
