Metabolism

Hormones regulate and control metabolism, respiration, growth, reproduction, sensory perception, and movement. When a hormone is deficient or in excess, this can throw off the balance of these processes. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, disorders of menopause, PMS and growth hormone deficiency are all diseases affected by hormones.

What is the relationship between Diabetes, Thyroid diseases and Obesity?

Since the hormones control many functions and processes within the body, problems with hormones can be the underlying cause of a wide range of medical conditions. Weight gain and difficulty losing weight can be due to thyroid disease. Conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease can both be caused by an autoimmune disease, and it is also not uncommon for someone to have both thyroid disease and diabetes as these conditions increase one's risk to developing one another. The risk is even higher in those who are obese. Thus the link between these conditions is evident.

What does treatment entail?

With Dr Griesel's special interest in Rheumatology, he has experience in treating and managing autoimmune conditions and their effect on the joints. He, therefore, has expertise in comprehensive diabetes care as well as the related metabolic disorders, especially thyroid diseases and obesity. As with most hormone-related disorders, thyroid diseases require life-long care to restore hormone balance within the body and prevent further complications.