Here are the major endocrine glands and their functions:

a. Pituitary gland (master gland) – regulates body functions by controlling other endocrine glands and produces growth hormones
b. Hypothalamus – controls the secretion of hormones and serves as the link of the nervous system to the endocrine system
c. Thyroid gland – responsible for regulating metabolism, growth and development
d. Parathyroid gland – regulates calcium level in the body
e. Adrenal gland – helps the body in dealing with stress and produces adrenaline and steroid hormones
f. Pancreas – produces insulin that regulates blood sugar level
g. Reproductive glands – produce gametes and sex hormones

Hypothalamus serves as the link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The information collected from the central nervous system influences how the hypothalamus controls the secretion of hormones.

**Endocrine glands** create and secrete hormones rather directly in the bloodstream in which the plasma aids in the transport of these substances to the target organ. This is the reason why endocrine glands are also called *ductless glands*. One example of an endocrine gland is the pair **adrenal glands**

**Adrenal glands** are two triangular-shaped structures found at the top of your kidneys. These structures release specific hormones needed by our body in response to and preparation for stress. Therefore, these are the glands responsible for the creation of someone’s response to a surprise pop quiz

**Diabetes mellitus** is a disorder in which the pancreas organ fails to create, and secrete insulin. *Insulin* is a hormone needed for the absorption of sugar in the blood. There are two types of **diabetes mellitus**– **Type 1 and Type 2**.

**Kinds of diabetes**

1. **Type 1** diabetes – this is an autoimmune disorder in which there is no or little amount of insulin production and secretion in an individual.
2. **Type 2** diabetes – this is a type of diabetes in which an individual produces a normal or low amount of insulin, however, the cells cannot properly respond, or in a way resistant due to the inefficiency of insulin receptors. Type II diabetes can be controlled through proper diet and exercise.

If an abnormal condition causes levels of X to remain very low the body will try to compensate by over-producing the hormone that secretes this chemical. This would result in a secondary condition in which the excess levels of the hormone would rather result in other complications or problems.