Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is classified as an autoimmune disease; it is when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed or attacked by the body’s own immune system. Although T1D seems to have a genetic component and although heavily studied, the cause of it and environmental catalysts are not yet fully understood. Contrary to popular belief T1D occurs in both children and adults but adults with T1D are often misdiagnosed as having Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). (ADA, 2024) Because there is no cure, people who live with T1D are reliant on injected or slow-release insulin via pumps to survive. (JDRF, 2024)
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be sudden and severe, and may include:
High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
Frequent urination
Increased thirst and hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of cuts and wounds
If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): a potentially life-threatening condition where the body produces high levels of ketones, which can cause confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): which can cause dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Eye damage (retinopathy)
Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can also develop in older adults. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed with insulin therapy, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, people with type 1 diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and make changes to their diet and lifestyle to manage their condition.
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Type 2 diabetes is a disease where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. As a result, the body produces more insulin to try to keep blood sugar levels under control, but eventually, the pancreas cannot keep up with the demand, and blood sugar levels rise.
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as being overweight or inactive, and it is typically diagnosed in adults. However, it can also be caused by genetic factors or certain medications.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild at first and may include:
High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
Frequent urination
Increased thirst and hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of cuts and wounds
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as:
Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)
Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Exercising regularly
Losing weight (if overweight)
Monitoring blood sugar levels
In some cases, medications such as metformin may also be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels. If lifestyle changes and medications are not enough, insulin therapy may be necessary. (JDRF, 2024)
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is most often diagnosed in adulthood; however, due to many environmental and genetic factors, the onset and/or predisposition to T2D can be sooner rather than later, as sometimes it can present itself with little or no symptoms. Factors such as genetic predisposition, behavior, habits, physical activity, endocrine disorders etc. all can affect or trigger the onset of T2D. (ADA, 2024) T2D is an endocrine/metabolic disorder in other words it is a a disorder that is affected and governed by our hormones and vice versa. T2D can differ from T1D in which a person’s body still produces insulin but is unable to use it effectively.
Gestational Diabetes (GD)
Gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy interfere with the body's ability to use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
GD typically develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, and it can affect women who have no history of diabetes. Risk factors for GD include:
Obesity
Family history of diabetes
Previous history of GD
Age over 35
Ethnicity (some ethnic groups have a higher risk)
Symptoms of GD can include:
High blood sugar levels
Frequent urination
Increased thirst and hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
If left untreated, GD can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, such as:
Preterm labour
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Increased risk of cesarean section
Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
GD can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Exercising regularly
Monitoring blood sugar levels
In some cases, medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary to control blood sugar levels.
In summary, gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes that interfere with insulin use. It can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, and proper management can reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.
There is no concrete reason why Gestational Diabetes (GD) shows up. Evidence suggests that sometimes the mother’s hormones during pregnancy can block the processes of the mother’s insulin to her body and it can potentially cause a problem called insulin resistance. This insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother’s body to use the insulin she is producing, this can result in the mother needing an excess amount of the insulin she normally needs when non-pregnant. GD can also happen when the mother cannot produce the amount of insulin required to support her pregnancy full-term. Pregnant women with GD are at risk for hyperglycemia as the glucose in the blood cannot be carried out and begins to build up. Gestational Diabetes is not uncommon and it is preventable, manageable, and treatable especially when closely monitored and caught quickly.
INSULIN
Insulin is a hormone produced in the beta cells of the pancreas. When we eat beta cells produce and release insulin to help the body process/metabolize and/or store the sugars and energy it gets from food. In people with T1D, the beta cells in the pancreas no longer make insulin because the immune system within the body has attacked and destroyed the beta cells in the pancreas. In order to continue eating and surviving people with T1D need insulin injected to process the sugars they obtain from their food. People with T2D do make insulin, but their bodies don't respond to it creating a resistance to insulin. Insulin can be prescribed via injectables but it cannot be taken in pill form as the digestion process will break it down before it can be effectively absorbed.
INSULIN RESISTANCE
Some endocrine disorders can often result in something called insulin resistance, it is often a precursor term used to describe the body’s inability to effectively use and process the insulin that it produces and can sometimes lead to Diabetes or other hormonal issues.
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. When cells become resistant to insulin, the body produces even more insulin to try to keep blood sugar levels under control, leading to a vicious cycle that can eventually develop into type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance can also have a ripple effect on other metabolic and hormonal issues/syndromes, including:
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These conditions include central obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that affects women, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, cysts on the ovaries, and insulin resistance.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A condition where fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for NAFLD.
Cardiovascular disease: Insulin resistance can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by raising blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and by promoting inflammation and blood clotting.
Hormonal imbalances: Insulin resistance can disrupt the body's hormonal balance, leading to issues such as thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.
Sleep apnea: Insulin resistance can increase the risk of sleep apnea, a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep.
Chronic kidney disease: Insulin resistance can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by promoting inflammation and damage to the kidneys.
Insulin resistance can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Genetics: Insulin resistance can be inherited, and some people may be more prone to developing insulin resistance due to their genetic makeup.
Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly around the abdominal area, can contribute to insulin resistance.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to insulin resistance.
Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can contribute to insulin resistance.
Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid dysfunction, can contribute to insulin resistance or a predisposition to PCOS.
Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids and antipsychotics, can cause insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as:
Losing weight: Weight loss can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
Diet: A healthy diet low in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
Stress management: Stress can exacerbate insulin resistance, and stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Medications: In some cases, medications such as metformin may be prescribed to help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.