Type 2 Diabetes is one of 9 Normal Diseases of Aging which invariably develops as people get older. With age our cells feel an action of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, less and less. This process of gradual loss of ability to control blood sugar, which is called insulin resistance, is present in everyone with advancing age. In the worst cases blindness, loss of lower extremities, kidney failure requiring dialysis will develop.

Reducing sugars and starches in one’s diet, regular resistance exercises, and other efforts at preserving insulin sensitivity will postpone development of diabetes and subsequently it’s complications. But there is one very important factor we need to consider in our fight with diabetes. Blood sugar control is achieved with action of hormones and it is hormonal changes which are associated with aging are causing our sugar to get out of control.

The treatment of Diabetes nowadays consists of medications that increase cell sensitivity to action of Insulin like Metformin, medications that artificially decrease blood sugar levels or the use of Insulin itself. Insulin therapy cannot be called Hormone Replacement because it is exactly high levels of insulin are associated with age related Diabetes type 2.

While hormone replacement therapy is not specifically indicated for the prevention of diabetes, women with risk factors should be aware of the scientific evidence in this area.

A number ot published studies have shown the link between Hormone Replacement Therapy and a decreased incidence of diabetes.
The paper published by North American Menopause Society reviewed three studies on the subject, granting Class I status to the evidence presented in each one:

The first study involved 16600 women who used estrogen/progestin therapy.

After 5 year of follow up women who took hormones were 21% less likely to develop diabetes than those who did not. It was more striking when the analysis involved only small group of women who took their hormones without stopping  for 5 years. In this group the decreased risk was 33%

Another study with Estrogen only group showed 27% reduction in those who adhered to hormone regimen.

The third  study based on HERS data was looking at 2029 women with preexisting coronary heart disease. In this study after 4 years of hormone replacement risk of diabetes was 35% lower.

-These findings do not negate such essential factors as exercise and healthy eating habits but adds to the evidence of beneficial nature of Hormone Replacement Therapy especially with Bio Identical hormones.

Those articles were published in (Diabetologia 2004;47:1 175-87) and (Ann. Intern. Med. 2003;138:l-9)

For more information or for to schedule an appointment  please contact Doctor Mikhail N. Berman, M.D. at 561-626-3205 8295 N. Military Trail Suite G, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410