diabetes Archives - WelbeHealth

1 in 10 Americans are dealing with diabetes. On top of that, 20 percent of people with diabetes have no idea they have it. Uncontrolled diabetes does a number on many parts of your body, especially your endocrine system.

How does diabetes affect the endocrine system? We have all of the answers for you right here. Read on to learn all about living with diabetes.

What Is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is made up of a number of different organs and glands, all of which are meant to promote energy metabolism. The most prominent organ in the endocrine system is the pancreas, which regulates your blood glucose levels. It also includes the ovaries and testes.

Endocrine system glands include the adrenal, pineal, pituitary, and thyroid gland. The adrenal gland boosts your blood glucose levels and causes your heart to beat faster, while the thyroid gland regulates your metabolism. Finally, the pituitary gland is in charge of growth and the pineal gland regulates your sleep.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Endocrine System?

Think of your endocrine system like an engine. The food you eat fuels that engine, which in turn has an impact on your blood glucose levels. Ideally, you want a steady level of blood glucose to keep your body running.

When you have diabetes, your body has a harder time regulating your blood glucose levels. They can either go far too high or far too low. What happens to your blood glucose depends on the type of diabetes with which you’re diagnosed.

Type 1 Diabetes

People who have type 1 diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin to properly respond to the intake of food. This causes blood glucose levels to spike. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin in order to properly regulate their blood glucose.

Type 2 Diabetes

People who have type 2 diabetes produce sufficient insulin, but their body doesn’t respond to it. This also results in high blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes treatment includes medication that increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin and keeps blood glucose levels balanced.

Living with Diabetes

The impact of diabetes extends far beyond your endocrine system. If you have it, you should be seeing a doctor regularly to make sure it’s well controlled. You’ll also want to get eye exams and visit the podiatrist to avoid things like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.

The better you control your diabetes, the better the likelihood of positive health outcomes!

Are You in Need of Diabetes Help?

How does diabetes affect the endocrine system?

As it turns out, the answer depends on whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. At a minimum, your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t responding to insulin. No matter what type of diabetes you have, it’s critical that you see your doctor regularly to make sure it’s properly managed.

Are you looking for compassionate care for seniors living with diabetes? WelbeHealth is there for you. Contact us today to learn how we provide seniors with full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community.

The Basics of Diabetes

Millions of Americans live with diabetes, a disease in which your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use it. As a result, your body can’t convert food into energy. Insulin carries glucose (sugar) into cells for energy. Symptoms of diabetes may include fatigue, blurred vision, heartburn, and frequent urination. If left untreated, diabetes increases the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

Diabetic Challenges: Managing and Controlling Blood Sugar

Managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels can be a difficult and lifelong process. To begin with, you need to monitor your insulin level regularly to see how you respond to food and activity. Stabilizing blood sugar levels can provide relief from many diabetes symptoms. High and low glucose levels can cause a range of health problems, such as:

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Neuropathy (nerve damage)

Gastroparesis (digestive problems)

Heart disease

Blindness

Effectively managing diabetes can help reduce your risk of developing these medical conditions. Additionally, by taking action now, you can help maintain your quality of life regardless of diabetes.

Taking Action: Controlling Blood Sugar Levels with Diet

There are many natural methods for controlling blood sugar levels, including managing carbohydrate intake and exercising regularly.

Many people have difficulty stabilizing their blood sugar because they overeat, consume processed food, or enjoy too many sugary snacks. These foods cause blood sugar to spike, then drop again, leaving a person tired and irritable after eating them.

Blood sugar that is too high or too low can make diabetes symptoms worse. By stabilizing blood sugar, people with diabetes can find relief from pain and discomfort, often without medications.

To help manage blood sugar, eat whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead of processed snacks with little nutritional value. Beans, lentils, and oats can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart disease. Also, these foods are excellent sources of fiber, which can help you feel full for longer after a meal.

How Exercise Can Help

It’s important to exercise regularly. Even small amounts, such as ten minutes of activity three times a day, can help control your blood sugar levels. Resistance exercises such as strength training with resistance bands, yoga, or lightweight dumbbells help build muscle and control glucose levels. Talk to your doctor to ensure you can safely exercise and see which activities fit your lifestyle.

Supporting the dietary health of seniors is just one way that WelbeHealth helps older adults and their families. Visit our FAQ page or contact us for further information.

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How Does Diabetes Affect the Endocrine System? A Helpful Guide