Ologies with Alie Ward – Diabetology (BLOOD SUGAR) Part 2 Encore with Mike Natter

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” Alie Ward interviews Dr. Mike Natter, a diabetologist, to delve deeper into the world of diabetology and blood sugar. They discuss the latest advancements in diabetes medications, the impact of stress on blood sugar levels, the different types of diabetes, and potential treatments and cures for the disease.

Main Takeaways

Advancements in Diabetes Medications

• GLP1 receptor agonists are a new medication being used for diabetes and weight loss.
• GLP1 and GIP are incretins that naturally occur in the body and help regulate insulin and satiety.
• GLP1 receptor agonists work by making the body more receptive to insulin and promoting feelings of fullness.

The Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar Levels

• Stress can impact blood sugar levels, usually making it go high.
• When stressed, the body activates the HPA axis and breaks down glycogen into glucose.
• Glycogen is the storage form of sugar found in the liver and skeletal muscles.

Different Types of Diabetes

• Diabetes can lead to long-term complications like blood vessel damage affecting various body parts.
• Type 2 diabetes has a stronger genetic component than type 1, but it’s multifactorial and environmentally triggered.
• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and having a first degree relative with any autoimmune disease increases your risk of developing it.

Potential Treatments and Cures for Diabetes

• Weight loss surgery can halt and reverse type 2 diabetes for morbidly obese patients.
• Pancreas transplants and innovative procedures to transplant beta cells and hormone-producing cells from the pancreas to the liver are being explored as potential cures.
• Stem cell research is being conducted to grow functional beta cells, but the challenge is finding a way to prevent the immune system from attacking them in type 1 diabetes patients.

Summary

Advancements in Diabetes Medications

GLP1 receptor agonists are a new class of medications that have shown promise in treating diabetes and promoting weight loss. These medications work by mimicking the action of incretins, such as GLP1 and GIP, which naturally occur in the body and help regulate insulin and satiety. By making the body more receptive to insulin and promoting feelings of fullness, GLP1 receptor agonists can help control blood sugar levels and aid in weight management.

The Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar Levels

Stress can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, often causing them to rise. When the body is under stress, it activates the HPA axis, leading to the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Glycogen is the storage form of sugar found in the liver and skeletal muscles. Without sufficient insulin, glucose cannot be taken from the blood and put into cells, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Managing stress levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Different Types of Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes, each with its own unique characteristics. Type 2 diabetes has a stronger genetic component than type 1, but it is also influenced by environmental factors. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Having a first degree relative with any autoimmune disease increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. It is important to understand the differences between these types of diabetes to ensure appropriate treatment and management strategies are implemented.

Potential Treatments and Cures for Diabetes

There are various potential treatments and cures being explored for diabetes. Weight loss surgery has shown promising results in halting and even reversing type 2 diabetes, particularly for morbidly obese patients. Additionally, researchers are investigating procedures to transplant beta cells and hormone-producing cells from the pancreas to the liver, which could potentially cure both cancer and diabetes. Stem cell research is also being conducted to grow functional beta cells, but the challenge lies in finding ways to prevent the immune system from attacking these cells in type 1 diabetes patients. While there may not be a silver bullet cure yet, these advancements bring hope for better management and potential cures for diabetes in the future.

Conclusion

Understanding the advancements in diabetes medications, the impact of stress on blood sugar levels, the different types of diabetes, and potential treatments and cures is crucial for individuals living with diabetes and healthcare professionals. With ongoing research and innovation, there is hope for improved management and potential cures for diabetes in the future. It is essential to continue advocating for affordable access to insulin and other diabetes medications to ensure that individuals can effectively manage their condition and lead healthier lives.