Medical Problems:

High blood sugar levels may occur with Cushing's disease, sometimes with the subsequent development of frank diabetes mellitus.

Impaired immunity, and susceptibility to infection and disease is also common.

The development of osteoporosis leads to thinning of the bones and spontaneous fractures even with normally non-stressful activity. Chronic back and joint pain may be present for this reason.

Cases of concurrent fibromyalgia have also been reported.

Severe fatigue and muscle weakness is a frequent complaint, along with a pronounced reduction in energy levels and and inability to perform simple everyday tasks. Inability to rise from a stooped position is a hallmark sign of Cushing's. Walking may become a chore - some patients even become wheelchair-bound.

Chronic gastric reflux can occur, mostly from the increased size of the abdomen pressing upward on the stomach; and gastric ulcers are common. Often concurrent Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may develop.

Sleep apnea may occur because of the massive trunkal obesity, and from the increased fat accumlation around the neck.

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