Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are high. It's caused by inadequate production of insulin, a hormone that transports blood sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. It can also result from insulin resistance, the body's inability to use insulin effectively. All forms of diabetes are associated with high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is typically classified into Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, diabetes that develops as a result of factors such as disease or hormonal problems is called secondary diabetes.
Diseases of The Pancreas
Insulin is produced by the islets of Langerhans, found in the pancreas. "The Diabetes Answer Book: Practical Answers to More Than 300 Top Questions" by David K. McCulloch says secondary diabetes can happen if the pancreas is destroyed by disease or some other condition. This is because it may not be able to produce enough insulin. Pancreatic problems such as pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas; cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that clogs up the pancreas; hemochromatosis, a condition in which there is too much iron in the blood; and surgical removal of the pancreas can lead to secondary diabetes.
Hormonal Disease
Certain hormonal imbalances affect blood glucose levels in the body. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands. It makes the adrenal glands release large amounts of a class of hormones called catecholamines. "Textbook of Type 2 Diabetes" by Barry J. Goldstein and Dirk Müller-Wieland suggests that enhanced glucose output, inhibition of insulin secretion and insulin resistance are all effects of catecholamines that can lead to secondary diabetes. Cushing's disease exposes the body to high levels of cortisol, an adrenal hormone. Excessive amounts of cortisol causes insulin resistance and leads to high blood glucose levels.
Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland secretes too much growth hormone. High amounts of growth hormone in the body can eventually lead to insulin resistance and too much glucose in the blood. Other hormonal diseases such as hyperthyroidism can also cause secondary diabetes.
Genetic Diseases
Secondary diabetes can occur in the presence of certain rare genetic disorders. The stiff-person syndrome is a neurological disorder that's characterized by muscle spasms. It's associated with the development of diabetes.
Wolfram's syndrome is a recessive genetic disease that can cause secondary diabetes. Characteristics of this disorder are encapsulated in the acronym DIDMOAD, which stands for diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness.
Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome is a genetic disease in which there is a mutation in the insulin receptor genes. In this disorder, there is severe insulin resistance, high blood insulin levels and high blood sugar levels.
References
- "The Diabetes Answer Book: Practical Answers to More Than 300 Top Questions"; David K. McCulloch; 2008
- "Textbook of type 2 diabetes"; Barry J. Goldstein, Dirk Müller-Wieland; 2003
- "Nursing Practice: Hospital and Home : The Adult"; Margaret F. Alexander, Josephine N. Fawcett, Phyllis J. Runciman; 2006
- The University of Kansas Hospital: Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome
- PubMed: Stiff-person syndrome
