The endocrine system is very important for the proper functioning of the body. However, hormones can sometimes be disrupted, causing imbalances. To find out how hormones work, what disorders they cause and how to treat them, let’s take a closer look at endocrinology. Together with diabetology, it’s a very interesting branch of medicine.
DEFINITION OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
Endocrinology is the study of the body’s hormone systems. In other words, this branch of medicine studies the functioning of the endocrine system. This is the branch of medicine that studies the network of organs and glands in the body that control various biological functions. Endocrine organs include:
- The thymus;
- Pancreas;
- Thyroid gland;
- Testicles;
- Ovaries;
- Adrenal glands.
Endocrinology is the study of the production, regulation, function and interaction of hormones in the body. It also studies the diseases and disorders that can occur when the endocrine system malfunctions.
There are different types of endocrinology. There is general endocrinology, which deals with adrenal disorders and diabetes mellitus. There is also paediatric endocrinology (treating children with hormones) and adult endocrinology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and thyroid disease.
DEFINITION OF DIABETOLOGY
Diabetology is part of the medical field of endocrinology. In fact, this medical specialty is multidisciplinary. It involves aspects of endocrinology, internal medicine; nutrition and health care management to help people with diabetes maintain stable blood glucose levels.
It also helps prevent diabetes-related complications and aims to improve patients’ quality of life.
In general, diabetology studies, diagnoses and treats diabetes. It also treats conditions related to glucose metabolism.
But what is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is caused by problems with the production and use of insulin, a hormone that is essential for regulating blood glucose levels.
ROLE OF THE ENDOCRINOLOGIST
Endocrinologists are hormone specialists. They specialise in the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system. He treats all conditions related to hormonal imbalances, menopausal problems, obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders.
Hormonal imbalances (too few or too many hormones in the blood) can cause a wide range of disorders in the body. It can affect reproduction, nutrition, digestion, metabolism, sleep and heart rhythm.
So if you see any of the following signs, you should consider seeing an endocrinologist. These warning signs are:
- Tiredness;
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Infertility;
- Increased or frequent urination;
- unexplained weight loss or gain
- Libido disorders
- Depressed mood;
- Sensitivity to temperature changes;
- Irregular periods in women;
- Breast tenderness;
- Headaches and migraines; and many more.
Your doctor may also refer you to an endocrinologist. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to consult him/her to help you solve your hormone problems.
During the consultation, the endocrinologist will ask you questions. He or she will ask you about your symptoms, your family history and your medical history. He or she will then carry out a clinical examination.
He or she will also take into account any biological tests you have already had, and may even look at your entire medical record. This will help to establish and refine the diagnosis. Finally, all that’s left for you to do is follow the specialist’s treatment recommendations.
DISEASES TREATED BY AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST AND A DIABETOLOGIST
All diseases that affect the hormone system are treated by an endocrinologist. Here are just a few examples of the conditions treated by this specialist.
THYROID DISEASES
Thyroid conditions include all conditions that affect the thyroid gland and its hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid regulate growth and metabolism. If these hormones are out of balance, you may notice weight changes, tiredness or increased sweating.
You may also experience heart palpitations, muscle aches or hair loss.
The most common thyroid conditions include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment can range from simple medication to surgery or the use of radioactive iodine.
DIABETES
Diabetes can be managed by endocrinologists and diabetologists. These specialists can treat diabetes type 1, gestational diabetes and diabetes type 2.
During treatment, patients are advised to follow a healthy diet. They will also need to take medicines to control their blood sugar levels. Diabetes Type 2 requires insulin treatment.
THE DIABETIC FOOT
Diabetic foot is a serious and potentially fatal condition. If not treated in time, it can lead to amputation. The condition is often caused by the destruction of small blood vessels in the foot. This leads to infection of the tissue or bone around the ankle, toes and heel.
How do you know if you have diabetic foot? Symptoms can include pain in the foot, ankle or heel, or sensitivity to pressure in certain parts of the foot.
You may also notice redness in the affected area or white spots on your toenails. You should see an endocrinologist as soon as possible to get the right treatment.
OBESITY
Yes, obesity is a disease. It is characterised by an accumulation of excess body fat. Obesity is very bad for your health. In fact, it increases the risk of many diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.
To treat it, the endocrinologist may suggest bariatric surgery or gastric banding.
