Final answer:
About 50% of patients with Cushing's syndrome develop high blood glucose levels, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes due to the excess cortisol affecting glucose metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approximately 50% of Cushing's syndrome patients have a pathology of high blood glucose levels, which can predispose them to type 2 diabetes. This occurs because Cushing's syndrome is characterized by the hypersecretion of cortisol from the adrenal glands, often due to a pituitary tumor. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol lead to increased gluconeogenesis, resulting in higher amounts of glucose in the blood. Other complications associated with Cushing's syndrome include obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, and depression. Treatment aims to reduce excessive cortisol levels, potentially involving surgery, radiation therapy, or medication.