Endocrinology and Diabetes | UC Davis Health

Endocrinology and Diabetes

The endocrinology specialists at UC Davis Health offer advanced technology and treatment options for metabolic, gland and hormonal disorders.

Medically reviewed on Jan. 09, 2024.

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State-of-the-Art Care for Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

We use the latest diagnostic tools, technology and therapies to treat metabolic, gland and hormonal conditions. Our endocrinologists participate in patient-focused research to develop new treatments.

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Our Difference

Advanced Treatment Options

We offer the newest treatments for metabolic and endocrine disorders. These include insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring, medical infusions and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration.

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Field-Leading Research

Our endocrinology experts conduct research that identifies new ways to detect and treat endocrine disorders. Early treatment can often prevent serious health complications.

Team-Based Medicine

We work closely with specialists from nuclear medicine, pathology, surgery and radiology to ensure you receive complete and individualized care.

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What Are Endocrine Disorders?

Your glands and hormones are part of your endocrine system. Glands are organs that produce chemicals called hormones. Your hormones regulate many body functions, including metabolism (how your body uses energy).

A problem with your endocrine system can cause hormonal imbalances that impact your health and quality of life.

Common Endocrine Disorders

Adrenal Insufficiency or Addison's disease

Your adrenal glands make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Without enough of these important hormones, you can develop low blood pressure, low blood sugar and kidney failure.

Diabetes

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease in the U.S. When you have diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough of the hormone insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels.

Learn more about diabetes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common disorder in women. PCOS develops when your ovaries produce too much of the hormone testosterone. This can cause irregular periods and ovulation, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain.

Learn about ovarian conditions like PCOS
Thyroid Disease

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that affect the way your body uses energy. They also regulate many important body functions. If you have a thyroid disease, you may have too much or too little of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Read about thyroid disorders
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Causes of Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine conditions develop when your glands overproduce or underproduce hormones. They can also develop when your body stops reacting to a particular hormone. There are many possible causes for an endocrine disorder.

Top causes include:

Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease causes your immune system to attack parts of your body. Some autoimmune conditions attack your glands and cause a hormone imbalance.

Benign Growths

Sometimes, you can develop a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on a gland. The tumor can disrupt the gland’s ability to produce hormones.

Exposure to Chemicals

Some chemicals in the environment disrupt your endocrine system. These include pesticides and industrial chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates found in plastics.

Genetics

Some endocrine conditions are hereditary (run in families). A genetic abnormality can affect one or more glands in your body and lead to a hormonal imbalance.

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Awards and Recognitions
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USNWR Best Hospital badge

Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

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US News & World Report best Children’s Hospital badge

Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals

U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)

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USNWR best regional hospital badge

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.

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The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

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World-class cancer care

One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

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A leader in health care equality

For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.

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