Pre-diabetes and diabetes are two of the most common metabolic dysfunctions affecting millions of people worldwide.
These conditions are characterized by high levels of blood glucose, which can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged. If your hormone levels are unbalanced, hormone replacement therapy may help relieve some of the symptoms of these diseases.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The risk factors for pre-diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, a family history of diabetes, and an unhealthy diet.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition where your body cannot produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels) or cannot use insulin effectively. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. Your body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage their blood glucose levels.
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes has the same risk factors as pre-diabetes.
It can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medication, such as metformin and insulin.
Other Metabolic Dysfunctions
Other metabolic dysfunctions include metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and gestational diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The conditions include high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and abdominal obesity.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is when your body's cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels, and has the same risk factors as pre-diabetes.
Insulin resistance can be managed through the same lifestyle changes as you would see with type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand. It increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Hormone Replacement Therapy May Help with Metabolic Dysfunctions
To learn more about hormone replacement therapy and how it may help with metabolic dysfunctions, schedule an appointment today.