Everything you need to know about Diabetes mellitus – Type 1 and 2

What is Diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes in common parlance, is a group of diseases characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. In general, it is caused either by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or by the body not responding optimally to the insulin that is produced. Insulin keeps blood sugar levels stable by transporting sugar from the blood into the cells, where it is used as “fuel” for the cell’s many functions. Regardless of the type of diabetes, the result is the same when there is a lack of insulin in the body, namely that blood sugar levels rise and the cells begin to starve for nutrients.

In fact, there are around 30 different types of diabetes, but 90% will have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and it is these two types that we will review in this article.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often caused by a combination of the cells not being able to absorb sugar optimally, also called insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction, where not enough insulin is produced (Source: Diabetes.dk).

Let’s take a closer look at the two different types.

Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes most often affects younger people, but it can be diagnosed throughout life. The disease is a chronic and autoimmune disease in which the beta cells in the pancreas no longer produce insulin because they have been attacked by the body’s own immune system. This causes blood sugar levels to rise and within a short time, can develop into critical acidosis. There is therefore a need for lifelong treatment with insulin. Researchers have not yet found the cause of the disease, and it therefore cannot be prevented or cured (Source: Sundhed.dk 1)​.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and accounts for approximately 80% of all people with diabetes. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 Danes have type 2 diabetes, but without knowing it. The disease most often affects adults, but in recent years there has also been an increase in children. Type 2 diabetes develops insidiously when the body absorbs sugar poorly into the cells, i.e. becomes more resistant to insulin. This means that the pancreas will initially try to compensate by producing more insulin, but eventually even that is not enough to maintain a normal blood sugar level, and the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas also become slower and less able to respond. The risk of type 2 diabetes is related to, among other things, your age, your genetics and your BMI. Treatment of the disease involves lifestyle changes, medication and in some cases also insulin (Source: Sundhed.dk 2)​.

Through a Functional Medicine consultation, you can learn more about your body, genetics and any potential problems – read more here.

Symptoms of diabetes

Type 2 diabetes typically comes on insidiously and you can have the disease for many years without symptoms, or with very few symptoms, such as thirst, fatigue, frequent urination or visual disturbances. Sometimes the disease is discovered by chance or after, for example, a blood clot. In contrast to type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes develops more acutely, where within a few weeks or days you become increasingly unwell with flu-like symptoms, increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue and acetone odor. It can develop into the critical condition, acid poisoning, which requires emergency treatment in the hospital.

Below is an explanation of the causes of the various symptoms:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar levels draw fluid into the bloodstream and the sugar will be excreted in the urine, where it will also draw fluid with it. This causes dehydration and increased thirst.
• Extreme hunger: Without sufficient insulin, the body cannot take sugar into the cells, resulting in a lack of energy and increased hunger.
• Unexplained weight loss: Despite increased hunger, weight loss can occur, especially in type 1 diabetes, as the body begins to break down muscle and fat stores for energy since sugar is not available due to a lack of insulin.
• Fatigue: The lack of sugar in the cells can lead to exhaustion and fatigue.
• Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can pull fluid from the eyes, causing blurred vision.
• Slow wound healing: Diabetes can reduce blood circulation and affect wound healing and infections.

Treatment of diabetes

Diabetes medication

There are several types of medications to treat diabetes, including:

• Insulin: There are many different types of insulin, including slow-acting and fast-acting. Insulin is used to treat type 1 diabetes, but it will also be necessary for some people with type 2 diabetes. Insulin is injected into the skin either via a pen or through an insulin pump.
• Metformin: Is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. Works, among other things, by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production by the liver.
• SGLT2 inhibitors: Work by excreting excess sugar from the blood through urine. Also protective effect on the heart and kidneys.
• GLP 1 receptor agonist: Works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Also has protective effects on the heart and kidneys.
• DPP4 inhibitor: Works by inhibiting the body’s breakdown of the hormone GLP-1, thereby increasing the effect, which, among other things, leads to increased insulin release.
• Sulfonylureas: Work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Non-drug treatment for diabetes

Osteopathy

Alongside medical treatment, it is important to be guided in proper dietary measures and physical activity. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating diabetes by focusing on improving the body’s structural balance and function. Osteopaths use manual therapy to improve blood circulation, reduce stress and support the function of the immune system.

This approach can help regulate hormonal imbalances and improve the overall health of diabetics (Source: Med Xpress)​.

Hormones and stress

Stress has a major impact on hormone balance, with the stress hormone cortisol in particular being problematic as it increases blood sugar levels. Chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance and worsen diabetes control. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga can help reduce cortisol levels and improve blood sugar control.

New research and treatment options

New research has led to several promising treatments and technologies in the field of diabetes. One exciting discovery is the use of stem cell therapy to restore insulin production in patients with type 1 diabetes. In an early clinical study, seven out of twelve patients who received stem cell therapy were able to avoid daily insulin injections, while two others significantly reduced their insulin requirements (Source: Med Xpress)​.

Another promising development is the “BuBble Gun” technology, which uses a laser to inject medication, including insulin, through the skin without the use of needles. This method could be particularly useful for those who suffer from needle phobia and could improve the quality of life for patients with diabetes​ (Source: Med Xpress)​​.

Research has also shown that removing inceptor receptors from beta cells can improve glucose regulation and increase beta cell mass. This could be a potential treatment strategy for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes​ (Source: SciTechDaily)​.