Diabetes & Endocrine Disorders Specialist

What is an endocrine disorder?

Endocrine disorders are health conditions that develop when your body produces too much or too little of a specific hormone. Fluctuating hormone levels within the body can affect:

• Metabolism
• Sexual function
• Growth and development
• Mood
• Reproduction

What are some common endocrine disorders?

Perhaps the most common and well-known endocrine disorder is diabetes. Others include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Short stature in children
• Reproductive disorders
• Cushing syndrome
• Addison’s disease
• Acromegaly
• Adrenal insufficiency

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects your blood sugar levels. When your body doesn't produce enough insulin hormone, or it doesn't correctly use the insulin that it does create, your body can't properly regulate your blood sugar. Serious health complications can occur if diabetes goes untreated.

What complications are associated with endocrine disorders?

Long-term health complications of endocrine disorders vary depending on the type of condition you have. For instance, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to problems with your nerves, kidneys, feet, eyes, heart, teeth, and gums.

Acromegaly, an excess of growth hormone, causes enlarged hands and feet, and untreated hypothyroidism can result in nerve problems, heart problems, hair loss, infertility, congenital disabilities, slowed mental functioning, and depression. Hormone imbalances can also cause unintentional weight gain or weight loss.

Tumors on or near hormone-producing glands are sometimes cancerous, which is why routine monitoring is crucial.

How are endocrine disorders treated?

Many endocrine disorders are diagnosed through blood tests. Finger-stick glucose tests evaluate blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Dr. Borisov or Dr. Witten may also recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI, or a biopsy if a tumor causes hormone imbalances.

Dr. Borisov and Dr. Witten treat many endocrine disorders with medications that supplement your deficient hormone levels. He may prescribe insulin or another diabetes medication to control blood sugar, or he may recommend synthetic thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism.

Dr. Borisov and Dr. Witten carefully monitors your blood hormone levels to make sure they stay within a healthy range. He may also recommend surgery to remove problematic tumors.

If you’re seeking treatment for diabetes or another endocrine disorder, call Ninth Avenue Internal Medicine or book an appointment online to prevent serious health complications before they arise.