Endocrinologists are most often considered as specialists of internal medicine or paediatrics. They focus on the endocrine system (a messenger process of glands and feedback loops of hormones) and its related disease. Through hormonal analyses, they identify, diagnose and treat such diseases using inhibition/suppression testing. In some cases, treatment may include surgery. The most common types of endocrine diseases include diabetes, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome.
The Cayman Islands Diabetes Association works towards a future without diabetes by creating awareness, providing education to the local community, while improving the lives of diabetics and their families. They partner with the Cayman Heart Fund to conduct free diabetes screenings for the public. They can be contacted at cidiabetes@candw.ky or through their Facebook page.
Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
Type 2 diabetes – where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1.
During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose that their body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. This is known as gestational diabetes.
It’s very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated. Many people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes.
This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased.
The main symptoms of diabetes include:
- feeling very thirsty;
- urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night;
- feeling very tired;
- weight loss and loss of muscle bulk;
- itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush;
- cuts or wounds that heal slowly;
- blurred vision.
You are more at risk of Type 2 diabetes if:
- You’re overweight or have a high Body Mass Index (BMI);
- You have a large waist (more than 80cm/31.5 inches in women, 94 cm/37 inches in men or 90cm/35 inches in South Asian men);
- You’re from an African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese or South Asian background and over 25;
- You’re from any other ethnic background and over 40;
- You have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes;
- You have ever had high blood pressure, a heart attack or a stroke;
- You have a history of polycystic ovaries, gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby over 10 pounds/4.5kg;
- You suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar illness or depression, or you are taking anti-psychotic medication.
See our page on Internists for information on Internal Medicine.