Question

Hypothyroidism causes
A. Bohr disease
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Cretinism and myxedema
D. Diabetes insipidus

Answer 1

Hint: Hypothyroidism is reduced secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. It affects the mental and somatic development as the hormones regulate the basal metabolism of the body. The result is cretinism and myxedema in children and adults respectively.

Complete answer:
To answer this question, we should know the causative factors of each of the given diseases.
Let’s start the discussion with Diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, as the name suggests, is about altered blood sugar levels. The term “Mellitus” means honey-sweetened. Since the disorder is related to blood sugar levels, the related hormones and glands must be affected. Insulin secreted by the pancreas lowers down the blood glucose levels when it raises above the setpoint. An inability to produce or use insulin causes diabetes mellitus. The most common symptoms of diabetes mellitus are excessive urine, excessive thirst, and excessive eating. On the other hand, diabetes Insipidus is due to the inability to produce or use the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The most common symptoms are dehydration, thirst, and bed-wetting in children.
Now, let's discuss hypothyroidism. As the name suggests, hypothyroidism refers to the condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormones. Now, to know its effect on the body, we should know the functions of the thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones trigger all the cells of the body to increase the metabolic rate. Under the influence of thyroid hormones, body cells channelize more glucose into cellular respiration and more energy is utilized.
If the thyroid gland is not developed properly and lesser thyroid hormones are secreted at birth, it makes the individuals short and stocky. This condition is called cretinism. Immediate treatment is required to facilitate the growth to prevent any mental retardation. On the other hand, hypothyroidism may develop in adults making them lethargic due to reduced metabolic rate. Other characteristics are thickened skin, weight gain, slower pulse rate, lowered body temperature. The condition is called myxedema.

So, the correct answer is C. Cretinism and myxedema.

Note: Students should know that not diabetes is not always associated with insulin and blood sugar. ADH hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus and released in the blood by the posterior pituitary. ADH triggers the production of concentrated urine by kidneys and thereby, reduces the water loss from the body. The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) do not have specific target organs but affect all the body cells. Calcitonin regulates the blood calcium levels (lowers it down).