Final answer:
In Cushing's syndrome, serum blood glucose levels are typically high due to hypersecretion of cortisol, leading to hyperglycemia and potentially insulin resistance. Treatment aims to reduce cortisol levels to mitigate this impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Cushing's syndrome, patients are subject to high blood glucose levels, also known as hyperglycemia. This is because Cushing's syndrome is typically caused by the hypersecretion of cortisol, a hormone that increases gluconeogenesis – the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Elevated cortisol levels also contribute to the development of insulin resistance, where body cells do not respond effectively to insulin, preventing glucose from being taken up by the cells, thus leaving excess glucose in the bloodstream. Other symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include obesity, muscle weakness, bone pain, fatigue, and a distinctive distribution of body fat.
Treatment for Cushing's syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause. It may involve discontinuing the use of exogenous corticosteroids, surgical removal of tumors, radiation therapy, or medications to control cortisol levels. Each of these treatments aims to reduce the excessive levels of cortisol in the body to alleviate symptoms and lower the risk of complications such as type 2 diabetes.