Discussion Essay Sample: Endocrine System Disorders and Treatment

The endocrine system consists of glands that make hormones, which are then released into the body in a variety of ways that tissue and organs detect and respond to (Dlugasch & Story, 2019). Hormones play a critical role in the body's ability to operate effectively. Hormones must be absorbed by receptors in order to govern and regulate specific bodily functions, such as blood sugar (insulin), reproductive organ function (testosterone and estrogen), and body growth (growth hormone) (DiMeglio et al., 2018). There are a variety of issues that can disrupt the endocrine system and have a negative influence on a person's health. Type 1 diabetes (T1D), in my opinion, is the most serious hormonal regulation issue. The exact etiology of T1D is unknown, however researchers believe it is triggered by genes and environmental factors. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness that produces insulin insufficiency (DiMeglio et al., 2018). T1D may strike anyone at any age, but it is most frequent in children and young people, which is why I feel it is the most serious endocrine illness. Not only does a child's life alter when they are diagnosed with T1D, but so does their family's. T1D must be adequately controlled, and youngsters cannot do it on their own. T1D symptoms include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, impaired vision, exhaustion, and unexplained weight loss (book). Diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening illness, is frequently the initial sign of T1D. It's frightening to go through this as a child, and also scary to witness it as a friend, sibling, or parent. Unfortunately, while my brother was in sixth grade, one of his closest friends had a seizure in class and had to be transported to the hospital. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with T1D. My brother and his classmates were terrified to see their friend in such condition.

Symptoms must normally be present before tests may be performed in order to diagnose. A random plasma glucose (RPG) test is used to evaluate blood glucose levels at a single point, while an A1C blood test is used to determine how long a patient has had high blood glucose (National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2021). Once diabetes has been established, it's crucial to figure out the kind of diabetes you have because treatments vary. When determining T1D, autoantibodies that are frequent in T1D patients may be found in the circulation (NIH, 2021). Insulin is utilized as a medication since the body is unable to manufacture it on its own. To assist manage insulin utilization, other medications such as pramlintide, glucagon, and metformin can be used  (DiMeglio et al., 2018). Following a food plan, being physically active, monitoring glucose frequently, and wearing a medical bracelet are all strategies to assist control T1D for people of all ages, especially younger children (Streisand & Monaghan, 2014). It's critical to monitor your blood sugar levels and take insulin as needed. Hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia are unfortunate common outcomes  in people with T1D, and can be deadly if not treated promptly (DiMeglio et al., 2018). Staying on top of sugar levels is important, but so is ensuring sure insulin dosages are accurate and checking in with your provider if any dosage modifications are needed (DiMeglio et al., 2018).

Overall, T1D can be difficult to treat and must be kept under control to avoid any more severe consequences. T1D's severity is determined by a variety of factors, but given that it primarily affects children and young adults, I believe it is the most severe because it can cause so much damage, children are unable to manage it on their own the majority of the time, and there is no way of knowing when it will begin to affect a person.