Description

Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

Endocrine and metabolic diseases span a vast range of
conditions. Together, they affect many millions of Americans and can profoundly
decrease quality of life. NIDDK supports research on many of these conditions,
including osteoporosis, cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism, and obesity.
Osteoporosis is a disease marked by reduced bone strength and linked to aging
and fracture risk. 53 million
people in the United States either have or are at risk for osteoporosis.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, affects about 4.6 percent of the U.S.
population age 12 and older. More than 30,000 Americans have cystic fibrosis,
an inherited disease in which salt and water cannot flow appropriately in many
critical tissues. Despite dramatic advances in treatment and life expectancy,
cystic fibrosis substantially reduces lifespan and its management is
challenging. As people are living longer with this disease, cystic fibrosis-related
diabetes has emerged as a common problem. While treatments have improved for
many of these diseases, we have much to learn about the complex interaction
between genetic and environmental factors that underlies their progression and
which may provide avenues to prevention and new therapies.

Examples of NIDDK-supported research efforts in these areas include:

Studies of environmental factors that may alter thyroid function.

Research building on discoveries about the specific
effects of various cystic fibrosis-causing genetic mutations in order to
develop therapies that counteract the disease at a molecular level.

Studies increasing our understanding of how cells sense
and respond to available fuel and nutrient levels.

Experiments aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms
underlying autoimmune disorders such Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves
disease.

Research to understand the role of parathyroid hormone in
bone health and to identify the best treatment for hyperparathyroidism, a
condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone.

Studies of bone health and fracture risk in relationship
to diseases and conditions such as obesity and weight loss surgery;
underweight; and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

In addition, NIDDK responds to questions and
provides health information about endocrine diseases to people with
endocrine diseases and to their families, health professionals, and the public
via the NIDDK Health Information Center.