Endocrinology is an emerging specialty of medicine. It deals with various hormone disorders. These disorders are the commonest among non - communicable diseases, yet the awareness about them is low in general population. To create public awareness and provide comprehensive treatment about various endocrine and metabolic diseases, a new state-of-the-art department of endocrinology and metabolism has been established in this hospital which was inaugurated on 2nd March, 2000 by Dr. S.K. Sama, Chairman, Board of Management, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Diabetes
Thyroid
Obesity
Male sexual problems
Female sexual problems
Osteoporosis
Other Hormone Diseases

The department runs following special clinics :

• Diabetes and Obesity Clinic
• Thyroid Clinic
• Bone Health clinic (Osteoporosis)
• Growth clinic
• Andrology Clinic (Impotence, Infertility and Hirsutism)

Facilities available :

1. Round the clock endocrine services
2. Free General OPD on Wednesday, Saturday 12 - 1 pm
3. Daily Private OPD 1 - 3 pm

The department is soon going to launch Diabetes Prevention Programme .

Endocrinology

The numbers of diabetics in the world is very rapidly increasing esp. in India, where there are about 40 million diabetics. The number of diabetics in metro-cities (e.g Delhi) has been reported to be as high as 16%, thus reaching epidemic proportions.

Diabetes mellitus is the commonest metabolic disorder in the world . The prevalence of diabetes in highest among Asians especially Indians. Due to rapid urbanization, cultural changes and changing socio-economic status the incidence of diabetes in metro cities is now reported to be as high as 16% reaching epidemic proportions. 

Diabetes is the commonest cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and gangrene of limbs. This department is especially equipped to provide state-of-the-art management for diabetes . The department is equipped with an independent diabetes laboratory with latest equipment including mini vascular lab , for on the spot assessment of all complications of diabetes . The available spot investigative facilities are :

• HbA1c
• Urinary micro-albuminuria
• Total cholesterol and trglycerides
• Body composition analysis
• Assessment of autonomic neuropathy
• Peripheral vascular studies

Facilities for ambulatory insulin infusion shall be available very soon.
The basic aim of diabetes management is to improve quality of life and prevent/delay complications as for as possible. The department is striving hard in this direction .
The department interacts very closely with the other departments like - Gynae. & Obst. , Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Vascular Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Nephrology etc. in order to provide comprehensive endocrine management.

	EYE Diabetes is the commonest cause of blindness in working age group. Diabetic retinopathy  (Leading to blindness)
KIDNEY It is also the commonest cause of Kidney failure.
	HEART Heart Attacks are three times and Paralysis/Strokes are 3 to 5 times more common among diabetics. Complication of Heart (Leading to heart attack)
LEGS & FEET The incidence of Amputations esp. of legs and feet is 17 times more common in diabetics.
	SEXUAL DISORDERS Sexual problems are much more common in male diabetics. Sexual problems
Brain & Nerves Paralysis / stroke Pain / Burning sensation over palms, soles & legs

Thyroid

Thyroid diseases are common especially in women. These are :

Hypothyroidism Swelling of body Weight Gain Lethargy Weakness Cold Intolerance Excessive Hair Fall Poor Memory Low Sexual Desire	Joint /Body Pains Menstrual Irregularity Dry Skin Chronic constipation Depression
If you are having any two of the above you may be suffering from Hypothyroidism
Thyrotoxicosis Weight Loss Marked Weakness Heat Intolerance Prominent Eyes Excessive Sweating Nervousness Tremors of Hands/Body Palpitation
Goitre Enlargement of Thyroid Gland is called Goitre. It may be due to Cancer, or other diseases of Thyroid.

Obesity

Obesity is the mother of all diseases. It is a preventable and treatable condition. The Complications of obesity are as follows :

Depression Disturbed/Excessive sleep Stroke Breathlessness High Cholesterol/Blood Pressure Heart Attack Diabetes Gall Stone Cancer Impotence/Infertility Arthritis More prone to Accidents

Male sexual problems

Common male sexual problems are:

Impotence Infertility Male Breast Enlargement   Micro-penis in Children

Female sexual problems

Abnormal Hair-Growth on face and other parts of the body. Infertility Menstrual Problems Menopause Problems Abnormal Milk Discharge from Breast

Osteoporosis

It is a disease where there is thinning/ weakening of the bones and it leads to fracture with minimum trauma. Even forceful cough can produce fracture in severe osteoporosis. It is the fracture of the hip and vertebrae which immobilizes the patient and is most dreaded. Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable condition. Majority of the patients remain unrecognized and undiagnosed till fracture develops. It is more common in females esp. after the age of 40-45 yrs.

Normal & Osteoporotic Bone

SELF ASSESSMENT FOR OSTEOPROSIS
1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.	Is there any family history of frequent fractures ? Are you a post menopausal woman ? Are you taking eltroxin/ steroids? Is your physical activity less than normal ? Is your diet low in milk products ? Are you suffering from Arthritis/Asthma ? Do you smoke or consume Alcohol in excess ? Are you under weight ?	Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes
The more the number of "yes", the higher is the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Other Hormone Diseases

Height & Growth Problem Height of a child is controlled by Growth hormone (GH). Deficiency of this hormone can lead to short stature and if diagnosed and treated in time normal height of the child can be restored. Disorders of Puberty Pubertal period is a phase during which child develops secondary sexual characters and transforms to become an adult. Pubertal development problems can lead to either delayed or early onset of puberty.