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Type 2 diabetes occurs when sugar levels get too high in our body because of a hormone called insulin. The pancreatic beta cells make insulin and manage sugar in our body. But if these cells don’t work well, Type 2 diabetes happens. Beta cell damage and insulin resistance are the main factors that lead to type 2 diabetes.
Research from Medical News Today says that if you have Type 2 diabetes, around half of these pancreatic beta cells might not work as they should. This post talks about the role of these beta cells in Type 2 diabetes and how eating healthy, exercising, and using medication like Rybelsus 14 mg can help manage it.
Beta Cell Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes
According to NIH ( National Institutes of Health), type 2 diabetes affects more than 462 million people worldwide which is a serious concern. This raises the question,” How does beta cell damage lead to type 2 diabetes?”. To answer this first, we need to understand how beta cells work and what causes beta-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
How Does Beta Cell Damage Lead to Type 2 Diabetes?
When you eat food, your body breaks down the food into sugar, mainly glucose. This sugar enters your bloodstream, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. Beta cells present in the pancreas make insulin to control sugar levels. In Type 2 diabetes, the body has too much blood sugar for a long time. This makes it hard for the body to use insulin to lower the sugar. The pancreatic β-cell plays a major role in glucose homeostasis by secreting insulin.
[Glucose Homeostasis: The mechanism for maintaining glucose levels in a small range in the body.]
When the beta cell doesn’t work well, it can’t release enough insulin. This results in chronic hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), which leads to type 2 diabetes. The beta cells have to work extra hard to make enough insulin. This could make them stop working well or even dysfunctional. With fewer working beta cells, it gets tough to control blood sugar.
The remaining beta cells struggle more, and we lose even more of them. So, the role of pancreatic beta cells in Type 2 Diabetes is important for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Taking care of beta cells through a balanced diet, exercise, and sometimes medications can make a difference in managing diabetes effectively. With beta cell dysfunction, hyperglycemia increases and develops into type 2 diabetes.
7 Causes of Beta Cell Failure
Beta cell failure can occur due to various factors. As the role of beta cells in type 2 Diabetes is significant, it is important to understand the causes of beta cell failure, too. Here are 7 causes of Beta cell failure that contribute to the dysfunction or loss of pancreatic beta cells:
Insulin Resistance
When your body cells stop reacting to insulin, it results in insulin resistance. This situation forces beta cells to release more insulin in the body. The need for increased insulin production can result in the failure of beta cells.
High Blood Sugar
When high levels of sugar are found in your blood for too long, beta cells are required to produce extra insulin to control the sugar in the body. This increased pressure on beta cells leads to cell failure.
Genetics
According to Science Direct, various genetic variants are responsible for diabetes by affecting the function of beta cells. The extent of damage caused to beta cells varies according to the genetic factors.
Inflammation
Various immune cells (White Blood Cells) are responsible for the failure of beta cells as they release inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are molecules released by immune cells that make inflammation worse.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is caused because of an imbalance between harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to balance or fix their effects. Oxidative stress can damage beta cells and make them weaker. Oxidative stress can cause damage to beta cells by causing inflammation within the beta cells.
Too Much Fat
Extra fat in your body, especially around the pancreas, makes it difficult for the beta cells to control blood sugar levels, leading to beta cell failure.
Getting Older
Just like things slow down as you get older, beta cells can start to struggle, too. With age, the Pancreatic beta cells may begin causing problems. As we age, the body becomes less capable of replacing damaged or lost beta cells with new ones. This can result in a gradual decline in working beta cells over time.
These are the seven major causes of beta cell failure. Remember, Taking care of yourself with a good diet, exercise, medication, and healthy habits can help beta cells diabetes work well and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Ways to Control Type 2 Diabetes
Here are some simple ways to ensure the proper functioning of pancreatic beta cells in diabetes:
Healthy Eating & Weight Management
Choosing a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats can help stabilize your blood sugar. Avoid excessive sugary and processed foods, which can strain your beta cells. This will also support maintaining a healthy weight, which can lower the chances of insulin resistance and lessen the burden on your beta cells. Losing even a small amount of weight can positively affect blood sugar levels.
Regular Physical Activity & Adequate Sleep
Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and support the work of beta cells. Start aerobic activities like walking or swimming and strength training exercises. Also, prioritize getting enough quality sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect insulin sensitivity and stress your body’s systems, including the beta cells.
Avoid Overeating & Limit Sugary Beverages
Consuming large meals can cause spikes in blood sugar. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to provide a steady supply of sugar and reduce stress on your beta cells. Drinks high in added sugars should also be avoided as they can quickly increase blood sugar levels.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can impact insulin sensitivity and overall health. Practicing yoga, deep breathing, or meditation helps manage stress.
Medication Adherence
If your doctor gives you medicines to control diabetes, remember to take them as recommended. These medicines can help your beta cells work better and keep your sugar levels in check. When buying your medicines, get them from the best Canadian online pharmacy. They have real and high-quality medicines.
Remember, following these steps is like giving a strong shield to your beta cells diabetes and taking care of your overall health. These choices can help stop or manage Type 2 diabetes so you can enjoy a healthier and more active life.
Conclusion
Pancreatic Beta cells in Type 2 diabetes play a big role in handling sugar levels in the body. Also, medicines can help your beta cells work better and keep your sugar levels in check. Apart from medicines, the best way to manage diabetes is to keep weight in check and exercise regularly. Following these steps is like giving a strong shield to your beta cells and managing type 2 Diabetes. But before you change your diet, start a new exercise, or order your medicines, talk to your doctor first. Visits to your doctor are essential to check your sugar levels and overall health to catch any issues with beta cell function on time.
