KARACHI, March 27: Endocrine diseases, a group of diseases consequent to hormonal imbalance in the body, are not uncommon in our country and cause significant impact on the quality of life.

This observation was made by medical experts during the Second National Endocrine Seminar 2004 here on Saturday. The single day event, organized at Aga Khan University, was addressed by Dr Gary Warne, Consultant Endocrinologist from Australia, Dr Nayyar Iqbal from the University of Pennsylvania, the USA, Dr Qasim Masood from Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdul Jabbar and Dr Najmul Islam from Aga Khan University Hospital, Prof Zaman Sheikh from Chandka Medical College.

Experts maintained that endocrinological diseases are treatable provided that early referral and compliance to adequate drug therapy under supervision of qualified professional are ensured.

Dr Gary Warne, in his presentation on Hypogonadism - a condition caused due to hormonal deficiencies, discussed varied factors leading to the problem and ways to treat it. He stressed the importance of appropriate hormonal replacement in such cases to prevent long term health risk such as osteoporosis.

Dr Qamar Masood talked about "Pituitary Adenoma", a tumour arising within a gland situated beneath the brain.

Dr Nayyar Iqbal presented data on overweight and obese subjects. He showed that the obesity was on the rise. He described the obesity as a risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Presentations were followed by a session on update in endocrinology.

Dr Abdul Jabbar discussed menopause among men and importance of hormone replacement therapy for them.

Prof Zaman Sheikh spoke on various aspects of thyroid disorders and suggested long term treatment. Dr Najmul Islam observed that modern life style had led to a rise in obesity and the Type-Two Diabetes, which was normally seen in adults but was now increasingly witnessed in children too.

The two sessions were followed by "Meet the Experts Session". Senior endocrinologists participated in the programme and discussed various endocrinological disorders commonly noticed in local community. -APP