Thyroid & Hormones

Blood glucose (blood sugar) is the amount of sugar in the blood. It's the main fuel for the body's cells — but both low and high levels cause problems.

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers — made by glands like the thyroid, pancreas, adrenals, ovaries, testes, and pituitary — controlling metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood, and sleep. Most hormone problems are treatable once the right test identifies the cause.

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. It speeds up many body systems and, if untreated, can cause heart rhythm problems, osteoporosis, and — in rare severe cases — thyroid storm.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone. It is extremely common in India — especially in women — with surveys suggesting over 10% of adult women are affected.

Hyperglycaemia is high blood sugar — the hallmark of diabetes, and also a sign of poor control in someone already treated. Recognising it early — and its two dangerous acute forms, DKA and HHS — saves lives.

Thyroid diseases are among the most common hormone disorders in India — especially in women. They include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer.

A diabetic diet is not a special "diabetic food" aisle — it's a sensibly Indian, whole-food pattern with portion control and low added sugar. Most Indian households can achieve good control with familiar foods in the right proportions.

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, usually because of a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. When it starts in adults, bones, cartilage, and soft tissues grow gradually — typically the hands, feet, and face.

Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by too much cortisol in the body. In India, by far the commonest cause is long-term, unregulated use of steroid creams, tablets, or injections — for skin conditions, arthritis, allergies, and fake "weight gain" products.

Preventing type 2 diabetes is possible — and for Indians, where the disease strikes earlier and harder, it's one of the highest-return things you can do. Most of what works is lifestyle; medicines play a role in higher-risk groups.