Complications Of Cushing's Syndrome

In the United States each year, it is estimated about ten to fifteen million individuals experience Cushing’s syndro. This disorder occurs when the body has too much cortisol, which is a type of hormone that impacts all organs and tissues in the body. The adrenal glands produce this hormone. Regulation of cortisol is due to the pituitary gland producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When the normal amount is produced, this hormone helps the body properly respond to change and stress. It modifies the inflammation response, controls water in the body, mobilizes nutrients, and helps manage blood sugar. When this syndrome is present, and cortisol in the body is too high, it can cause several complications. Learn about these now.

Bone Fractures And Bone Loss

While the data is limited, it is estimated bone fractures and bone loss occur in about thirty to fifty percent of patients. The fractures appear to be the most common at the vertebral level, which can result in additional complications, such as back pain, height loss, and kyphosis. The risk of fractures increases as bone density decreases. In children, this complication may interfere with normal growth, reducing the total height the child may have achieved if they did not experience this complication of Cushing’s syndrome. Some research shows bone mass deficits might be able to be partially reversed by getting cortisol under control. However, doctors agree this is not guaranteed. Patients might require treatments to enhance their bone density in addition to the treatments used to treat their high cortisol.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is possible in individuals with Cushing’s syndrome due to how the condition impacts glucose in the body. Research shows diabetes may occur in twenty to fifty percent of patients. Approximately thirty to sixty percent of patients might develop impaired glucose tolerance. When cortisol is too high, it can result in the body’s carbohydrate tolerance decreasing. Glucose production and hepatic glycogen can increase while glucose uptake and peripheral tissue usage of glucose decrease. Treatments focused on blood sugar control, including reduced carbohydrate intake and other dietary changes may be beneficial. However, to improve this complication, it is important to get cortisol under control.

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