What condition related to the adrenal glands is commonly treated with corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly corticosteroids like cortisol. In cases of adrenal insufficiency, the body struggles to maintain homeostasis, manage stress, and regulate metabolism, which can lead to serious health issues if untreated.

Corticosteroids substitute for the deficient hormones, helping to restore normal physiological functions. They are effective in alleviating the symptoms associated with this condition, such as fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure. The treatment is crucial for patients with primary adrenal insufficiency, like Addison's disease, as well as secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by pituitary disorders or prolonged use of glucocorticoids.

Other conditions listed, such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, are primarily managed with different classes of medications specific to those hormonal imbalances. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be treated with corticosteroids, but they are typically not the first-line treatment and are used more for their anti-inflammatory properties rather than addressing the underlying adrenal gland function.