Diabetes Type I and II and the Need for Excess Fat Storing Hormone

Dr. Eric Berg 10/09/2024

Dealing with diabetes often feels like a balancing act, especially when blood sugar levels seem resistant to dietary changes and even increasing insulin dosages. If you've experienced this frustrating scenario, know you are not alone.

This blog post explores an important topic many people may not know about: the use of amylin for diabetes management. Diabetes, primarily type 1, frequently requires individuals to manage their condition with insulin injections.

This is because the beta cells in their pancreas, responsible for producing insulin, are either not functioning or completely inactive.

However, there are times when the body's demand for insulin increases, and blood glucose levels remain persistently high, despite making changes to your diet and adjusting insulin doses.

Woman administering insulin

Understanding the Role of Amylin for Diabetes

The reason behind this escalating insulin resistance might surprise you. Our beta cells don't just produce insulin. They are also responsible for making another important hormone: amylin. Just like its more famous counterpart, amylin plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Amylin works synergistically with insulin. Think of them as two sides of the same coin when it comes to blood sugar management.

This powerful hormone slows down digestion, helps you feel fuller for longer (suppressing your appetite), and most importantly, works to lower blood glucose levels.

Why Isn't Amylin Talked About More?

If amylin is so essential, why isn’t everyone talking about it? Sadly, it’s often overlooked. Many people, including some healthcare professionals, are unaware of amylin’s critical role in diabetes.

Let’s imagine you find yourself needing increasingly higher doses of insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Your doctor, unaware of the role of amylin, might not suggest it as a potential piece of the puzzle.

Bridging the Gap: Amylin Analogues

Here’s the good news: synthetic versions of amylin, known as amylin analogues, are available to help people better manage their diabetes. While you can't inject natural amylin, an analogue called pramlintide (brand name Symlin) mimics its actions in the body.

Pramlintide is typically taken as an injection before meals, alongside insulin, and can offer notable improvements in blood sugar management for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Imagine this: You add pramlintide to your regimen alongside your regular insulin. You notice that you require significantly less insulin to achieve your target blood glucose levels. You also experience fewer instances of those drastic blood sugar spikes, even after meals.

Potential Benefits of Amylin for Diabetes Management

Beyond its direct effect on blood sugar levels, amylin analogues like pramlintide may offer other health benefits, such as:

Slowed gastric emptying: Helping to regulate the rate at which food empties from your stomach into the small intestine, contributing to more balanced blood sugar control.
Appetite regulation: Acting on the brain to promote feelings of fullness and potentially contribute to healthy weight management.
Reduced glucagon secretion: Suppression of the release of glucagon (another hormone involved in blood sugar regulation), further aiding in blood sugar stability.

Before You Ask Your Doctor about Amylin for Diabetes

Although amylin analogues for diabetes sound promising, they are not a quick fix or a replacement for insulin in any way.

There are a few important considerations before you ask your doctor if this type of treatment is right for you. It is crucial that you continue following your healthcare professional’s guidance regarding your diabetes management plan.

It's advisable to consult with your doctor or endocrinologist if you:

Are experiencing challenges managing your blood sugar levels with your current treatment plan.
Want to learn more about amylin and if it's appropriate for you.
Have questions or concerns about potential side effects or interactions with your current medications.

Possible Side Effects and Considerations

Like all medications, amylin analogues may cause side effects for some individuals. The most common side effect is nausea, which often diminishes over time with continued use and can be minimized by gradually increasing the dosage as directed by your doctor.

Other potential, though less common, side effects include:

Vomiting.
Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used in conjunction with insulin, hence the need to monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Before using pramlintide, your doctor will evaluate your overall health and consider your medical history, including any other medical conditions or allergies you may have.

It's also important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to identify any potential interactions.

This will ensure your diabetes treatment is tailored to your needs and as safe as possible.

Tips for Incorporating Amylin into Your Diabetes Management Plan

If you and your doctor decide that adding an amylin analogue to your diabetes management plan is the right course of action, here are a few practical tips to help you integrate it seamlessly into your daily routine:

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and administration timing. Pramlintide is usually injected under the skin before meals.
Start with a low dose as instructed and gradually increase it to reduce the likelihood of experiencing nausea, a common initial side effect.
Be extra vigilant in monitoring your blood sugar levels, especially during the initial stages of incorporating pramlintide. Since it works to lower blood glucose levels, there is a risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when used alongside insulin.
Maintain open and honest communication with your doctor about any side effects, concerns, or adjustments needed. Regular checkups and open communication are essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your treatment.
Consider seeking guidance from a certified diabetes educator. They can provide you with valuable information and practical strategies for managing your diabetes effectively, adjusting your insulin doses alongside pramlintide, recognizing and managing hypoglycemia, and incorporating lifestyle modifications to optimize your blood sugar control.

It's important to remember that managing diabetes is an ongoing process that requires collaboration with your healthcare team. Open communication and proactive self-management play key roles in achieving optimal outcomes.

As you explore new treatment options, understanding how they work and their potential benefits and side effects empowers you to make well-informed decisions alongside your healthcare provider.

Various herbal remedies

Herbal Solutions for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Highlights how herbs like turmeric, boswellia, and ginger offer natural relief from the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

These herbs contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce joint swelling and improve mobility. However, alongside herbal remedies, it's essential to address potential nutritional gaps that could worsen symptoms.

Vitamin F deficiency symptoms, such as joint stiffness, dry skin, and inflammation, may exacerbate arthritis pain. Ensuring a diet rich in healthy fats alongside these herbal solutions can provide more comprehensive relief and improve overall joint health.

Conclusion

While not widely discussed, amylin for diabetes represents a significant opportunity. This lesser-known hormone could hold the key to enhancing blood sugar regulation for individuals with diabetes who struggle to achieve optimal control through insulin alone.