Diabetes Secondary to Endocrine Disorders

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a variety of endocrine conditions affecting the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. It may occur as a consequence of hormonal excess (or less commonly deficiency) which interferes with either the secretion and/or the action of insulin. Diabetes is often diagnosed as part of the diagnostic work-up during an oral glucose tolerance test when glucose excursions can be measured alongside assessing the ability of a glucose load to suppress growth hormone levels. These associated conditions can include acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, hypo- and hyperthyroid, hyperaldosteronism, phaeochromocytoma, somatostatinoma, and glucagonoma. While the principles of management may not differ (and include treating the underling endocrine disease), the fundamental importance lies in making the diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be instigated without delay.