How is the Endocrine System Related to Diabetes?

Originally published: July 2021

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder in the United States, affecting more than 10% of Americans. But what exactly is an endocrine disorder - and how does the endocrine system tie into diabetes?

In simple terms, diabetes happens when the pancreas doesn’t release the right hormones, or when the body doesn’t respond to those hormones properly. That disrupts your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, which can lead to serious health issues.

To understand how that works, let’s look at how the pancreas functions in a healthy endocrine system.

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is made up of glands throughout your body that release hormones. These include:

• Pituitary gland - which controls growth
• Ovaries and testes – which influence reproduction
• The pancreas - which helps manage blood sugar and metabolism.

How Does the Endocrine System Work?

Despite the variety of glands and hormones, they all have one shared goal – keeping your body in balance. The endocrine system works closely with the nervous and immune systems to respond to changes and maintain stability, known as homeostasis. It does this by releasing hormones into your bloodstream, which then travel to different parts of the body and guide how cells function.

 Understanding the Pancreas 

Let’s say you eat an apple. As your body digests it, your blood sugar rises. Glucose from the apple is a quick source of energy, but too much of it can be harmful. That’s where the pancreas steps in. It senses the rise in glucose and releases insulin, a hormone that helps your cells either use or store that sugar.As glucose levels return to normal, the pancreas slows its insulin production.

This back-and-forth helps keep your body fueled and balanced. But in someone with diabetes, this process doesn’t work properly.

How is the Endocrine System Related to Diabetes?

In diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or produces none. Without insulin, your cells can’t use glucose for energy. So instead, the body turns to fat for fuel, which creates ketones – chemical byproducts that can build up and turn the blood acidic. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that requires immediate care.

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

While both types of diabetes stem from insulin issues, they happen in different ways:

• Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 need to take insulin daily to manage their blood sugar.
• Type 2 Diabetes develops over time. The body becomes resistant to insulin, so the pancreas must work harder to produce enough. Eventually, it can’t keep up. Lifestyle changes like exercise and diet can help manage Type 2, especially early on.

For people with Type 1 diabetes, synthetic insulin is essential. They must closely monitor their blood sugar and administer insulin as needed, essentially stepping in for their pancreas.

Managing Diabetes

Thanks to advances in treatment, diabetes is now a manageable condition. With the right tools and support, you can take control of your health and live well with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. If you’re looking for guidance, our care team is here to help.

Schedule an appointment today to take the next step in managing your diabetes.