When hormones are unbalanced
The endocrine system works well only when each hormone is made in the right amount. If a gland makes too much or too little, health problems follow. Two of the most common examples involve insulin and thyroxine.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which blood glucose stays too high. It happens when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, or when the body cannot respond to insulin properly. Without enough working insulin, glucose is not taken into cells fast enough and builds up in the blood.
- Signs include frequent urination, great thirst, tiredness and glucose in the urine.
- Some people manage it with insulin injections; others control it with a careful diet, weight control and exercise.
Key idea
Diabetes = blood glucose too high because insulin is lacking or not working. Managing it keeps blood glucose near normal.
Thyroid disorders
If the thyroid gland makes too little thyroxine, metabolism slows, causing tiredness and weight gain. If it makes too much, metabolism speeds up, causing weight loss and a fast heartbeat. A lack of iodine in the diet can enlarge the thyroid gland, a swelling called a goitre.
Keeping the endocrine system healthy
A balanced diet (including enough iodine), a healthy body weight and regular exercise support normal hormone action and lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. Regular medical check-ups can also detect an unbalanced hormone level early, before it causes lasting harm.
Example
A person with diabetes checks their blood glucose after meals. If it is too high, they may take insulin so that cells can absorb the glucose and the level returns towards normal, preventing damage to blood vessels over time.
Remember
Too little insulin → high blood glucose (diabetes). Too little thyroxine → slow metabolism; too much → fast metabolism. Balance is everything in the endocrine system.