Pathophysiology of hyperglycemia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pathophysiology of hyperglycemia - Essay Example This occurs as a result of increased production of Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) as a stimulus to stress; this has the effect of stimulating the production of cortisol which triggers glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, therefore, increasing the blood glucose levels (Fowler, 2009). This stimulus to stress has been called a life saving mechanism to reset the normal optimum conditions in the body. Pathological conditions may also increase blood glucose levels by increasing the level of cortisol. These include Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenal hyperplasia and adenocarcinomas of the adrenal gland (Miller, 2010). Administration of exogenous steroids like prednisone leads to hyperglycemia. The pituitary gland secretes hormones which stimulate the production of other hormones that have a role in carbohydrate metabolism (Nikolic & Jovanovic, 2009). Any lesion in the pituitary gland that increases the levels of these tropic hormones also increases the levels of blood glucose increases. For instance, ACTH secreting adenocarcinomas increases ACTH levels in the blood, which, in turn, increases blood glucose levels via the actions of cortisol (Ruderman, 2010). Conditions that lead to an increase in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone levels (TSH) levels induce to an increase in absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract and basal metabolic rate via the actions of thyroid hormone. Growth hormone produced in the anterior pituitary has anti-insulin effects and any condition that increases its levels during acromegaly, thereby increasing blood glucose (Marino, 2008). Catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine increase blood glucose level via beta and alpha receptors and inhibit the secretion of insulin via alpha receptors. Conditions that cause increase in the levels of these amines are adrenal gland tumors (Miller, 2010). Pancreatitis is another condition that causes hyperglycemia (Pfaff, 2008). This