Type 2 diabetes, like type 1, may be an autoimmune disease, researchers say

The Los Angeles Times ^ | 04/18/11 | Thomas H. Maugh II

[Pining_4_TX]

Type 2 diabetes, like Type 1, may be an autoimmune disease, but the immune system's target cells are different, Stanford researchers said Sunday. The discovery sheds new light on how obesity contributes to the onset of Type 2 diabetes and could lead to new types of treatment for the disorder, the researchers reported in the journal Nature Medicine.

[Pining_4_TX]

Every day, it seems, there are new discoveries concerning type 2 diabetes. I have often thought there is more that they don't know, than what they do know about the disease. Also, I do not think that just lowering blood glucose numbers with drugs does anything to prevent long term complications. It is like getting rid of your cough when you have pneumonia. You sound better, but you are still sick.

[Pining_4_TX]

Ping!

[muawiyah]

The theory has been that with Type II you are just choc full of all sorts of insulin ~ but, due to some "factor" you cannot metabolize it.

At the same time a large percentage of Type II diabetics suffer the same symptoms as Type I diabetics ~ which means they are SHORT insulin and do not have a surplus.

Both theories are probably correct ~ to a degree.

[Silentgypsy]

Ping

[decimon]

Thanks.

[Capt. Tom]

A few years ago I volunteered to be part of a diabetic group assembled to discuss diabetes. There were about 20 of us and many volunteered their stories. Some were really tragic and depressing. One guy looked like a model of fitness and did everything he could to control his diabetes, but it was still way out of control. One person was not likely to make it more than a matter of months.

As people volunteered their stories it was discouraging. The moderator was taken back by so many disastrous situations being outlined by the group.

At one point she made a comment about how depressing the stories were and asked is it possible anyone can say anything good about diabetes.
I raised my hand and everyone was stunned at looked at me.
I said before I got diabetes when the snow was on the ground and I had to walk to the mailbox through the snow, I would put on socks and boots, but since I got diabetes I just walk out barefooted and when I get back in I dry my feet and don't feel any real discomfort. - Tom

[princess leah]

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes just 4 months ago. I dropped ALL sodas immediately, am keeping a daily track of what I eat, run atleast 12 miles per week and tracking my blood sugar 2 times a day (early morning and 2 hours after dinner). Its been ok - my numbers are good and my overall health is very good and my doctor did not put me on medication. I know that this is not the normal result, my dauhter is a Type-1 insulin dependent (collegiate softball All-Conference pitcher) and my mother has been a Type-2 for over 40 years and she is over 80 years old. But, we don’t drink or smoke or eat rich food and all 3 of us are very active physically (well, mom not so much). I do believe that exercise is CRITICAL for helping yourself as a Diabetic. Oh, I found Josephs foods (at WHOLE FOOD STORES in AZ) a great brand for sugar free products.

[B4Ranch]

What was it that brought type 2 diabetes into existence during the 20”s?

[Dogbert41]

Prohibition?

[Capt. Tom]

I do believe that exercise is CRITICAL for helping yourself as a Diabetic.

I think that is a good advice.

Many years ago I had a doctor out on charter (fishing)and his theory an diabetes was that everyone has a diabetic weight.

If a persons diabetic weight is 300 lbs and the person stays below that he wont get diabetes, even if he is way overweight. Unfortunately some people"s diabetic weight is low, say 140 lbs and if you weigh more than that you will come own with type 2 diabetes.

His suggestion was keep your weight down and reduce the chances of exceeding your diabetic weight, because you don't know what it is.
I don't know how that squares with today's thinking on diabetes. - Tom

[B4Ranch]

Probably something to do with sugar production ..my guess.

[GOP Poet]

bookmark

[ottbmare]

What makes you think that Type 2 just came into existence in the twenties? Doctors wrote about “sugar sickness” and said you could diagnose it by tasting the urine of the patient in the 18th century.

[B4Ranch]

I don’t know the number but it took a drastic jump in the 20’s. I’d say it had to do with food production, probably sugar.

[ottbmare]

You’re probably right. I think that’s was also when people started using more white, refined flour rather than whole-wheat and corn flour. Not a coincidence—that stuff turns into sugar, too.

I wonder if the numbers went up in the fifties, too. People in the fifties ate the most horrific stuff. I can’t believe we survived. Gaaah. Coca-Cola jello molds, huge cakes, it makes me nauseated just to think of it.

[neverdem]

B cells promote insulin resistance through modulation of T cells and production of pathogenic IgG antibodies

This is a combined ping. FReepmail me if you want on or off the immunology or diabetes ping list.

[Thrownatbirth]

Any symptoms of my Type II diabetes are gone since I quit drinking and started exercising about ten years ago (with a gun to my head, of course). Strangely, my vision also improved to the point where I no longer need glasses. Go figure...

[TheOldLady]

bump

[muawiyah]

If you are in your 50s your vision improved because your lens material has softened a bit ~ after hardening earlier as presbiopia developed.

Eventually you will start developing cataracts as the lens material rehardens.

Plus, if you began using cinnamon regularly, your eyesight should have improved (in some people).

Running and jumping are always good. When your joints wear out you'll need to do something else.

[bert]

Baked potato is as bad as any sugar. Ditto lots of bread and other carbs.

My type two became manageable at A1c <6.5 fasting glucose,126 +/- when my Wii excitedly informed me my Body mass Index declined from obese to overweight. For me, losing weight brought a host of numbers including triglyceride under control. Nothing was completely effective till I lost 35 pounds.