You wake up every morning feeling exhausted despite a full night's sleep. You’ve noticed your energy crashing in the afternoon, and the scale keeps creeping up no matter how carefully you watch your diet. Lately, you’ve also been dealing with frequent thirst and overwhelming fatigue. These symptoms might feel like a puzzle you can’t quite put together, but they could point to type 2 diabetes – a condition that affects millions of people every year.

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we understand how overwhelming managing type 2 diabetes can feel. Beyond the diet and exercise recommendations, we also look deeper into how underlying factors like hormone imbalances could contribute to your condition. Hormone therapy can help regulate blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can help manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. In this article, we explore how to manage type 2 diabetes with HRT.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose. In this condition, your body either resists the effects of insulin – the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar – or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. As a result, sugar builds up in your bloodstream, leading to various health complications.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. However, genetics, age, and hormonal imbalances also play significant roles.

Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• Frequent thirst and excessive urination
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds
• Frequent infections, especially urinary or skin infections
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Increased hunger despite eating regularly
• Irritability or mood swings

How hormone imbalances affect type 2 diabetes

Your body’s hormones play a central role in regulating blood sugar and maintaining metabolic health. For instance, insulin directly controls glucose levels. When other hormones, such as cortisol (the stress hormone) or sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, are imbalanced, they can interfere with insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation. Chronic stress or hormonal changes can exacerbate insulin resistance, making it harder to control blood sugar levels.

Low testosterone in men, for example, has been linked to increased fat storage and reduced muscle mass, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Similarly, estrogen imbalances in women can disrupt glucose metabolism and lead to weight gain. Addressing these hormonal imbalances can be a crucial step in managing type 2 diabetes effectively.

How HRT can help manage type 2 diabetes

Improving insulin sensitivity

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve how your body responds to insulin, a hormone critical for regulating blood sugar levels. When testosterone, estrogen, or growth hormone levels are unbalanced, they can hinder how your cells process glucose, leading to insulin resistance. By restoring hormonal balance, your cells become more sensitive to insulin, allowing glucose to be efficiently transported out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy. This improved insulin sensitivity helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Reducing abdominal fat

Excess abdominal fat is a key driver of insulin resistance and poses a significant risk for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone in men or low estrogen in women, often lead to increased fat storage around the midsection. HRT can help counteract these effects by promoting fat redistribution and encouraging lean muscle mass. Reducing abdominal fat enhances blood sugar control and supports cardiovascular health by decreasing cholesterol levels and improving overall metabolic function.

Enhancing energy and metabolism

Hormones play a crucial role in controlling energy levels and metabolic rates. HRT can help restore optimal hormone levels, enabling your body to produce energy more efficiently. This can alleviate the chronic fatigue accompanying diabetes. Additionally, balanced hormones increase your metabolic rate, making it easier to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. For many patients, this improvement in energy and metabolism also fosters better engagement in physical activities, which is crucial for managing diabetes.

Other tips to manage type 2 diabetes:

• Following a balanced, low-glycemic diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or strength training
• Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
• Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga
• Getting adequate sleep to support metabolic health
• Taking prescribed diabetes medications as directed
• Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we’re committed to helping you address the root causes of your condition and find personalized solutions that work for your unique needs. From advanced hormone replacement therapy to holistic lifestyle support, our team offers the support and guidance you need to manage type 2 diabetes and improve overall health. Schedule a consultation today!