Is Type 2 Diabetes an Autoimmune Disease?

How Type 2 Diabetes Differs From Type 1

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Blood sugar is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Though they share some characteristics, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are not the same. They have different causes and the treatment plans are often very different, as well.

How Type 1 Diabetes Differs From Type 2

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults, though people of any age can develop it.

In type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Because of this, people with type 1 diabetes produce very little or no insulin, thus requiring insulin for survival.

Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes

• Genetics or having a family history of type 1 diabetes
• Being young
• Potential environmental triggers, such as a virus

There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, though it can be treated.

How Type 2 Diabetes Differs From Type 1

Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t respond to or cannot properly use insulin (insulin resistance). It is usually diagnosed in adults, but people of any age, including children, can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors include:

• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Being overweight
• Being over 45 years of age
• Being physically inactive

Ways to Boost Immune Health

A healthy lifestyle can strengthen your immune system. The following healthy lifestyle habits can help boost your immune system naturally:

• Follow a healthy eating pattern, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
• Don’t smoke.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Reduce stress.
• Practice good hygiene and safe food handling practices.

How to Reduce Inflammation and Support Insulin Sensitivity

Inflammation is a very complicated process affecting many different inflammatory cells and pathways. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been shown to contribute to insulin resistance.

Several animal studies have demonstrated the benefit of reducing inflammation for obesity-linked insulin resistance and metabolic disease. However, human clinical studies testing specific therapies targeting inflammation and their impact on metabolic disease have had promising but substandard results.

Reducing inflammation in the body has been shown to maintain or improve insulin sensitivity. There are several ways to help reduce inflammation, such as using complementary therapies and healthy lifestyle habits. These include:

• Following an anti-inflammatory diet that includes fruits, leafy green vegetables (e.g., kale, spinach, romaine lettuce), fatty fish (e.g., salmon and tuna), whole grains, nuts, and olive oil
• Cooking with herbs and spices, such as clove, coriander, garlic, ginger, onion, pepper, and turmeric
• Reducing stress
• Avoiding or quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Exercising regularly
• Getting enough sleep
• Drinking green tea or coffee

When to See a Provider

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of diabetes or high blood glucose, such as:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or weakness
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Sores that heal slowly
• Urinating (peeing) often

Summary

Type 2 diabetes is not considered an autoimmune disease, while type 1 diabetes is. An autoimmune disease is when the body mistakes its own healthy cells, tissues, or organs for foreign substances and attacks them.

People with type 1 diabetes make little to no insulin because their bodies mistakenly attack cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes may still produce insulin, but their bodies don’t respond to or use it properly.

Type 2 diabetes is considered a multifactorial disease. Chronic low-grade inflammation damages pancreatic cells that produce insulin, lowering insulin production and causing high blood glucose levels.

High blood glucose levels in diabetes are thought to disrupt the immune system. Experts hypothesize that unhealthy lifestyle choices and advanced age may act as possible “triggers” for these inflammatory responses.