What kind of disease is characterized by high cortisol levels?

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by high levels of cortisol in the body. This condition can arise from various factors, including tumors of the pituitary gland (which produce excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH) or adrenal tumors that independently produce cortisol.

Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism regulation, immune response, and blood pressure maintenance. However, when present in excess, it can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, such as weight gain, thinning skin, hypertension, and glucose intolerance.

In terms of other health conditions mentioned: hyperthyroidism involves an overproduction of thyroid hormones, not cortisol; diabetes mellitus is primarily related to insulin regulation and glucose metabolism; and acromegaly is caused by excessive growth hormone, typically due to a pituitary tumor, rather than adrenal hormones like cortisol. Thus, Cushing's syndrome is uniquely distinguished by its association with elevated cortisol levels.