Decoding Diabetes (Type 2)
General overview
Do you know someone who is constantly hungry even after eating, has a history of UTIs and yeast infections, or has slow-healing wounds? Well, there is a fair chance that they have Type 2 Diabetes. There are numerous types of diabetes ranging from type one diabetes all the way to gestational, but this post will specifically focus on type two. All forms of diabetes are somewhat similar in the symptoms; however, each type is unique in its causes, development, treatment, and insulin production.
The major difference between type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) is that type 1 is an autoimmune disease, meaning it is not infectious and arises from birth/genetics while type 2 diabetes can be developed commonly through an unhealthy lifestyle. Insulin, just like in T1D, plays a key role for T2D as well. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and it binds with glucose molecules, allowing them into the cells. In T2D, insulin continues to be made, yet the cells do not accept and allow the insulin to enter the cells, which is called insulin resistance. This prevents glucose from entering the cells as well. Knowing glucose or sugar is a necessary macromolecule for the production of energy, T2D impairs the body’s ability to fulfill certain processes efficiently. Because of the high blood sugar levels in the blood stream due to insulin resistance, the pancreas tries to accommodate this by producing more and more insulin for the cells (hyperinsulinemia); however, the cells strictly can not take in the overproduced insulin. Over time, the pancreatic cells tend to wear out and can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance.
What Are the Symptoms to Type 2 Diabetes?
All forms of diabetes share somewhat similar symptoms for they both contain the same problem: glucose not being able to enter the cells. Symptoms of T2D tend to come out at a slow rate, causing many to live their lives without knowing they have such disease. T2D can be developed at any age but it is most common within adults over the age of 65. Possible symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Constant hunger (even though you are eating)
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet
What Are the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes?
Similar to T1D, Type 2 has genetic predisposition, but T2D is often revealed or triggered by lifestyle factors and everyday habits. As long as an individual follows the steps on living a healthy lifestyle, the risk for T2D is fairly low. Among those that are physically inactive, eat highly processed and sugary foods, and are overweight, T2D is extremely common. And with the addition of other unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, vaping, and drinking alcohol, T2D only continues to become harmful and make it harder for remission. The belief that high blood pressure and obesity are the sole cause for T2D is not necessarily true. Of course these aspects are harmful and may extend the symptom of diabetes, but instead they simultaneously occur along with T2D. The condition of insulin resistance, as mentioned before, is the sole cause of T2D. Insulin resistance is when muscle and liver cells do not respond correspondingly to the insulin hormone. With the high blood sugar levels, the body tries to accommodate this by creating more and more insulin(hyperinsulinemia). Pancreatic cells, also known as beta cells, eventually lose their ability to overproduce insulin, leading these beta cells to undergo the process of apoptosis, which is cell death. With the death of beta cells, insulin production significantly decreases, causing the overarching problem of T2D. To fully understand the causes of T2D, one must understand the possible causes of Insulin resistance. Some of which could be…
- Visceral fat – fat being stored around the internal organs around the belly can cause major disruption in insulin production. The excess fat tissue releases something called Free Fatty Acids(FFAs) which disturb insulin signaling pathways.
- Physical inactivity – Living a life with little to no movement can make one less insulin sensitive. Inactive muscles require less glucose, leading to inefficient clearance of glucose from the blood.
- Genetic predisposition -- If the family has a history of T2D, there is a higher risk for offspring to develop T2D as well.
- Age -- studies have shown that T2D are much more common among middle aged adults, and the risk of gaining insulin resistance is much higher among those of the age 45 and above.
- Ethnicity -- Ethnic background does not guarantee the predisposition of T2D, but studies have found people of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Asian American descent are at a higher risk.
- Chronic stress -- Cortisol is a hormone produced to regulate stress levels. High cortisol levels can also directly inhibit the pancreatic beta cells from producing and releasing sufficient insulin to manage the increased blood sugar.
Again, some of these causes are not the sole catalyst for obtaining T2D, but it is often a combination of such causes along with an unhealthy lifestyle and makes one more likely to get T2D.
Possible Complications
If T2D is not treated properly, there are many possible harmful outcomes which is why it is highly suggested to reach out to a healthcare professional when dealing with the disease. T2D or the symptoms of T2D can put one at much higher risk of obtaining other, more intense conditions. Some health problems may include:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease/failure
- Nerve Damage
- Eye damage
- Skin and Oral Conditions
The condition of insulin resistance, which ultimately causes T2D, can also cause a variety of compilations related to specific organs. Some of which include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Holistic Approach
Type 2 Diabetes, similarly to type 1, is a chronic disorder that can not be fully cured, at least through the medical sense. However there are many ways to reach remission which is a state where blood glucose levels go back to normal without the need of medication. Intensive lifestyle changes often contribute to reaching remission such as consistent exercise or a healthy diet. Of course there are many medications that can help maintain T2D, but they don't necessarily help you reach remission, and instead treat the symptoms of diabetes. Interesting studies have shown there are specific diets that reverses the underlying problem of insulin resistance. Much research points to a low-fat, plant-based, whole-food diet. The cause of insulin resistance is an excess of dietary fat, so it would make sense that greatly reducing your dietary fat would be fundamental to reversing insulin resistance.
Foods to include in this new diet can be:
- almost all fruits
- starchy and non-starchy vegetables
- all legumes, and whole grains.
Then again, one's diet does not have to be strictly confined; other foods are completely fine yet must be eaten mindfully and in small quantities.
Again, exercising consistently can greatly contribute to the process of remission. Increasing your daily level of physical activity places a strain on your muscle tissue, which then signals muscle cells to manufacture more mitochondria. When taking part in physical activities, the muscles turn to excess fat reserves, which in turn increases insulin action. Activities to possibly partake in are:
- Weekly/Daily walks
- Strength training
- Yoga
- Cycling
As easy as it may sound, these tiny shifts in one’s lifestyle can dramatically help the journey to reach remission! It is key to remember that holistic medicine is not to replace one’s actual medication, and that these steps should only be taken after consulting with a professional health caretaker!