Which condition is known to potentially lead to adrenal crisis if not treated?

Addison's disease is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. This deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperkalemia. If a person with Addison's disease experiences significant stress, injury, or illness without appropriate treatment, their body may not be able to respond adequately, leading to an adrenal crisis. An adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypotension, shock, and altered mental status, requiring immediate medical intervention.

In contrast, diabetes mellitus does not lead directly to adrenal crisis, though it requires management to prevent complications like ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar states. Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by excessive cortisol, can result in various health issues but does not lead to adrenal crisis due to cortisol excess; rather, it's a situation of hormonal imbalance. Hyperthyroidism involves excess thyroid hormone and does not typically affect adrenal hormone levels to the extent that it would precipitate an adrenal crisis.