It’s critical to control your hormone levels if you have type 2 diabetes since an imbalance can change how your body reacts to insulin. Lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet and minimizing stress might be beneficial.
The body creates several potent chemical messengers known as hormones to control functions like growth, development, and digestion. A hormonal imbalance, on the other hand, can occasionally result from the body producing too much or too little of a certain hormone. Even a small imbalance might cause issues.
What you need to know about the connection between hormone abnormalities and type 2 diabetes.
Is there a link?
Diabetes can cause issues that go beyond an insulin imbalance. The pancreas produces the hormone glucagon, which aids the liver in converting stored sugar into energy. Normally, glucagon and insulin cooperate to control blood sugar levels. However, glucagon production may be impacted by an insulin imbalance.
Diabetes may also be impacted if you experience an imbalance in other hormones. For instance, studies indicate a connection between elevated cortisol levels and diabetes. In reaction to stress, your body creates cortisol, which is then released into your bloodstream.
In particular, elevated cortisol levels can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, but they can also interfere with many other bodily systems. It may make it more difficult for your body’s insulin to eliminate that sugar from your blood.
Managing hormonal imbalances and diabetes
If you have diabetes or any other hormonal abnormalities, these measures may help you control them.
Get the medical care you need
To manage all of your medical needs, including medication management, it’s critical to collaborate closely with your healthcare team. Make sure you take your diabetes medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Make healthy lifestyle choices
You may effectively manage your diabetes by eating a balanced diet and keeping your weight in check. A licensed dietitian or diabetic educator might be able to help you determine what foods will help you reach your objectives.
Reduce stress levels
Engaging in stress-reduction activities can help you balance your cortisol levels, which can then impact how well you regulate your blood sugar.
Along with other healthy lifestyle choices, think about mind-body activities like yoga and tai chi. According to some research, they might also improve your quality of sleep.
Treatments for type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be treated in several ways, such as with medication and lifestyle modifications.
Lifestyle changes
With lifestyle modifications like exercise and diet, many people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugar levels, particularly if they are overweight or obese. Even a small weight loss of 5% to 10% can have a significant impact on certain individuals. Additionally, exercise might restore your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Non-insulin medications
People with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition using a variety of non-insulin treatments, according to the American Diabetes Association. The majority of people begin by taking metformin, which has multiple benefits. It lowers the amount of glucose the body absorbs from food and the amount of insulin the liver produces. Additionally, it makes the body react more strongly to insulin.
The following are the other most often prescribed drugs to help individuals with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels:
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
- Sulfonylureas
- Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
- Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and dual GLP-1/gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) receptor agonists
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
To assist them in maintaining their blood sugar levels within the desired range, some people might additionally need to take a combination of drugs.
Insulin
Insulin may be required for certain individuals with type 2 diabetes. They typically require insulin to assist control their blood sugar levels since other drugs are ineffective or no longer effective.
Additionally, there can be times when individuals require insulin for a brief period, like while pregnant or in the hospital.
When to speak with a doctor
Consult a physician if you’re having trouble controlling your blood sugar levels. You might need to try a different medication or modify your diabetic prescription. Additionally, your doctor might need to modify any medications you are taking for any hormonally related problems.
Takeaway
Diabetes and other hormone imbalances don’t have to stop you from leading an active, healthy life. You may control your diabetes and any other hormonal disease you may have with a variety of medication options, allowing you to continue with your normal activities.