The endocrine system and hormones secreted by it lie within the scope of endocrinology. Chemical substances that transmit messages from the periphery and mediate intercellular communication are called “hormone”.
The organs included in the endocrine system are hypophysis, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, testicles and ovaries. Aside from these, some other organs assuming entirely different functions like heart, kidneys, intestines and brain may also act like an endocrine organ by secreting specific hormones.
The process of transforming food intake into the energy or other substances required by the body is called “metabolism”. Hormones, in particular those secreted by the pancreas, play a very important role in regulation of metabolism.
Engaged in diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions relevant to the endocrine system and metabolism, our department is supported by an experienced team of healthcare personnel and the latest equipment. The Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases department of Koç University Hospital consists of specialists of international renown who assume a multidisciplinary approach in treatment and diagnosis.
Diabetes nurses also of great significance just like physicians when it comes to care of diabetic patients. They not only train patients in follow-up of diabetes and use of insulin, but also take part in patients’ treatment processes. Type 1 diabetic patients on insulin pumps receive support in terms of pump use from nurses experienced in this area. Course of diabetes is followed with the help of continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Decisions regarding treatment and follow-up of patients with diabetic foot ulcer are discussed at the regular weekly multidisciplinary council meetings, which are attended by physiotherapists, wound care nurses and physicians from the departments of orthopedics, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, interventional radiology and cardiovascular surgery.
Follow-ups for obesity are also carried out within a multidisciplinary framework. Support is provided by dietitians as well as specialists from the departments of psychiatry and physiotherapy. Patients who have an indication for surgery receive support from our experienced obesity surgery team. The Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases department of Koç University Hospital continues to operate as an “obesity center” accredited by the European Association for the Study of Obesity.
In order to make sure that patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer receive the most ideal treatment, we also cooperate with a quite successful surgery team and specialists highly experienced in radioactive iodine therapy. Decisions regarding treatment of these patients are made at weekly inter-departmental meetings.
To address hypophyseal diseases, our hospital is equipped with an active gamma knife unit backed up by our department of Neurosurgery. Tailored treatment schedules for each patient are drafted during weekly council meetings.
Our department collaborates with specialists of our Genetic Diagnostic Center for diagnosis of hormonal diseases with a genetic background.
Treatment of osteoporosis-induced fractures are treated together with the departments of orthopedics and physiotherapy.
Service Subcategories of the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Department
- Diabetes
- Diabetes technologies (insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring systems)
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Obesity
- Thyroid diseases-thyroid cancers
- Osteoporosis
- Parathyroid diseases
- Hypophyseal diseases
- Adrenal, gonadal diseases