Individuals with Cushing's syndrome frequently have a history of what related health issue?

Individuals with Cushing's syndrome often experience a range of metabolic and physiological changes primarily due to elevated levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that has profound effects on various body systems, including the cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

Hypertension is commonly associated with Cushing's syndrome because high cortisol levels can lead to increased blood pressure through different pathways, including fluid retention and heightened sensitivity to catecholamines (like adrenaline). Additionally, cortisol promotes the conversion of proteins to glucose (gluconeogenesis), which can contribute to glucose intolerance and the development of Diabetes Mellitus in affected individuals.

The combination of these two conditions—hypertension and diabetes mellitus—is a hallmark of Cushing's syndrome. Therefore, selecting both hypertension and diabetes mellitus as related health issues provides a comprehensive view of the syndrome's impacts. This highlights the multifactorial nature of the disorder and illustrates the interconnectedness of hormonal imbalances and metabolic outcomes in Cushing's syndrome.