Endocrinology

Endocrinology

ENDOCRINOLOGY -

The Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism manages specialized centers of care for patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders and pituitary disorders. Collaboration among endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, and bariatric surgeons and physicians allows the Institute to work as a multidisciplinary team, providing personalized treatment plans and the best possible patient care. Our endocrine surgeons have the most extensive experience in the world in the surgical care of thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, endocrine and pancreas disorders. Advanced minimally invasive technology is often utilized: We perform adrenalectomies, thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies. We are one of the busiest centers in the country for laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation of neuroendocrine tumors that metastasize to the liver. We offer a laparoscopic liver resection program. Our endocrine surgery team’s thyroid and parathyroid surgery case volume has more than quadrupled in the past 10 years. Patients are increasingly referred for complex conditions such as reoperative problems, advanced cancers and hereditary endocrine syndromes.

Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions called hormones, the integration of developmental events such as proliferation, growth, and differentiation (including histogenesis and organogenesis) and the coordination of metabolism, respiration, excretion, movement, reproduction, and sensory perception depend on chemical cues, substances synthesized and secreted by specialized cells.

Endocrinology is concerned with the study of the biosynthesis, storage, chemistry, biochemical and physiological function of hormones and with the cells of the endocrine glands and tissues that secrete them.

The endocrine system consists of several glands, all and in different parts of the body, that secrete hormones directly into the blood rather than into a duct system. Hormones have many different functions and modes of action; one hormone may have several effects on different target organs, and, conversely, one target organ may be affected by more than one hormone.



This is a type of blood test. A hemoglobin A1c percentage is important because it is the only way to know how well patients are controlling their diabetes over time. Based on blood tests taken over a period of two or three months, doctors can estimate patients' average blood sugar levels. The goal for most diabetics is an A1c of less than 7%. This is roughly equivalent to an average blood sugar level of about 150 mg/dl. An A1c of 9% indicates an average blood sugar level of about 210 mg/dl.

Here's how blood sugar works in the body. Glucose (blood sugar) circulates in the blood after food is absorbed in the intestine. A small amount normally combines with the hemoglobin molecule (A1c). Hemoglobin is the red-colored protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of the body. It operates in direct proportion to the amount of glucose in the blood. The glucose remains with the hemoglobin molecule until the individual's red blood cells die - usually between two and three months. When the patient's blood is analyzed for hemoglobin A1c, the resulting value number provides an estimate of the level of glucose over that time period.

What is an endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor. Endocrinologists diagnose diseases that affect your glands. They know how to treat conditions that are often complex and involve many systems within your body. Your primary care doctor refers you to an endocrinologist when you have a problem with your endocrine system.

What foods should I avoid to help control my diabetes ?

Foods with higher amounts of simple sugars should be avoided, such as fruit juice, regular soda, sport drinks, candies, sugar, brown sugar, honey, syrup, jelly and jams.

What should my blood sugar level be?

Blood sugar levels change all the time and vary with each individual. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following: after fasting, your blood sugar should be between 80 and 120 mg/dl; before meals, it should be less than 140 mg/dl; and two hours after a meal, it should be less than 180 mg/dl.

How often shoulkd i check blood sugar level ?

Blood sugar levels should be checked at least twice each day.

Some of the diagnostic tests we use in Lifeline'S Endocrinology Department:

  • 24-Hour Urine Collection Test
  • ACTH Stimulation Test
  • Bone Density Test
  • CRH Stimulation Test
  • Dexamethasone Suppression Test
  • Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy
  • Five-Day Glucose Sensor Test (For Diabetes)
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Semen Analysis
  • Thyroid Scan
  • Thyroid Scan
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