Most epidemiologists and physicians will agree that diabetes is one of the more commonly diagnosed metabolic diseases in America. Before detailing why these health experts share this assertion, we should recognize that there are two types when it comes to this particular disease, type 1 and type 2. And they both negatively affect the body’s ability to use insulin. Of course, to understand why this is important, it helps to know a little more about the role of insulin in the human body. In short, insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, plays an integral role in the digestive process, namely when it comes to carbohydrates. When individuals consume bread, pasta, rice, and other foods rich in carbohydrates, the body naturally breaks down and converts those carbs into glucose, a type of simple sugar. After this happens, the same glucose moves into the bloodstream. The role of insulin is to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. In doing so, it helps minimize the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Of course, this entire physiological process comes undone when an individual has type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes and What Makes It Such a Dangerous Disease
Developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes will affect insulin production in the body differently. In those with the type 1 variant, the pancreas does not secrete any insulin at all. By comparison, the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin for the body to function as it should when an individual has type 2 diabetes. In type 1 and type 2 diabetes alike, cells in the body receive too little or none of the glucose needed to carry out vital bodily functions. When glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being transported to the cells that need it, the risk of hyperglycemia, otherwise known as high blood sugar, can increase exponentially. And this applies to both variants of diabetes.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: What Are the Symptoms?
Hyperglycemia associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes will trigger a myriad of mild symptoms long before either variant of the metabolic disease worsens and finally gives way to diabetic complications. Some of these symptoms include the following:
- Chronic hunger and thirst
- Unintended weight loss
- A frequent need to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Chronic fatigue
- Sores that do not heal
Hormonal Imbalances and the Role They Play When It Comes to Diabetes
According to a study published by Medzone clinic, individuals with a human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency or even HGH levels that are just slightly below what is deemed normal are at risk of developing the insulin resistance synonymous with type 2 diabetes. And this is especially true if those individuals are overweight or obese. Some of the things that can trigger a decline in HGH production include the following:
- Aging
- Damage to the pituitary gland
- Damage to the hypothalamus
- Radiation and surgical procedures necessary to treat certain cancers
Can HGH Replacement Therapy Prevent Diabetes?
Given that there is, indeed, a nexus between low HGH levels and type 2 diabetes, it stands to reason that keeping HGH levels in a normal and healthy range can keep this form of the disease at bay. The same may not be the case for type 1 diabetes in that this variant is often a byproduct of genetics. In either case, however, human growth hormone replacement therapy is worth considering. This treatment protocol entails using prescription drugs to stimulate HGH production in the body. When this happens, more of this all-important hormone is capable of moving into the bloodstream. In turn, this helps fight off the insulin resistance synonymous with type 2 diabetes. In individuals with type 1 diabetes, human growth hormone replacement therapy can significantly minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.
Bottom Line
In summary, receiving a diagnosis of diabetes can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. Fortunately, there is no shortage of medical treatments that can help keep the disease from spiraling too far out of control. Having said that, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms detailed in this article, it is imperative to schedule an appointment with a physician as soon as feasibly possible.
