The Role of Hormones in Type 2 Diabetes

Hormones play an important role in almost every function in the body. Insulin, for instance, is a hormone that carries glucose from the food that we eat to our cells, which will then be used as energy. When this function fails or is carried out by the body improperly, it can lead to a condition called insulin resistance. Imbalances in insulin can throw off other hormones in the body that can exacerbate symptoms of insulin resistance, eventually leading to type 2 diabetes. Cortisol and growth hormone can be affected by imbalanced levels of insulin, and when they are elevated, they can cause and promote insulin resistance. Thyroid hormones are also affected, and when they are elevated, they can make it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. This is detrimental, as improper use of insulin can cause the glucose to remain in the bloodstream rather than being used as energy in the cells, causing abnormal levels of blood sugar. So what can you do to prevent these imbalances and decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes? Read more…​