Wholistic Jen

By Jennifer Whitmire MS, MEd, MH, CHES, NEP

We know that type 1 diabetes is related to blood sugar and autoimmune disease, but autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, Graves, and Hashimoto’s all impact blood sugar levels and can be related to insulin resistance. 

Insulin resistance occurs when our cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. This resistance keeps sugar in the blood longer and makes it more difficult to get into the cells where it is needed. Normally, insulin helps to move sugar, or glucose, from the bloodstream into cells, so it can be used for energy or stored for later 

When there is insulin resistance, the pancreas starts to produce more and more insulin, which leads to high levels of insulin in the bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, increased cardiac risk, and other metabolic disorders. Insulin resistance is often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions.

So What Does Blood Sugar Have To Do With Autoimmune Diseases?

Imbalanced blood sugar affects immune function and inflammation. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, that can create chronic inflammation throughout the body. This chronic inflammation can be the root cause of an autoimmune condition or aggravate an already existing autoimmune response.

Blood sugar imbalances can affect immune function in many ways. For example, high blood sugar can impair the function of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This can lead to a weakened immune response and make it harder to regulate autoimmune reactions.

High blood sugar can stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines by T cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are signaling molecules that increase inflammation and can lead to tissue damage and autoimmune flares. These cytokines can further disrupt immune regulation and be the root cause of autoimmune diseases.

Blood sugar levels affect whether T cells become pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. High glucose levels lead to pro-inflammatory T cells.

Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and debris.

High blood sugar can activate macrophages, leading to the production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species. This can lead to tissue damage and autoimmune flares. High blood sugar can impair the ability of macrophages to engulf and digest pathogens. This reduces the immune system’s ability to clear infections.

Insulin resistance has been linked to increased autoimmune activity. Insulin resistance can lead to the accumulation of glucose and fats in tissues, triggering inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. These processes can promote autoimmune reactions and increase flare symptoms.

How Do Autoimmune Diseases Disrupt Blood Sugar Balance?

Chronic inflammation is at the center of all autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory cytokines from this chronic inflammation interfere with insulin signaling. This means that the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, which over time creates insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.

Autoimmune diseases disrupt the balance of hormones involved in blood sugar regulation. In active Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism slows down metabolism and which can lead to insulin resistance. In active Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism increases metabolism which leads to rapid breakdown of glucose and hypoglycemia. In MS, insulin resistance is frequent and contributes to metabolic complications and general disability. In lupus, patients have a high prevalence of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance in lupus is associated with higher levels of oxidized LDL. This increases the risk for coronary heart disease.

How Is Stress Related to Autoimmune Diseases and Blood Sugar Imbalance?

Chronic stress triggers an inflammatory response which can increase the likelihood of an autoimmune flare (A flare is an increase in symptoms).  Chronic stress also leads to elevated blood sugar which increases inflammation further and can lead to insulin resistance. Additionally, stress hormones like cortisol interfere with insulin. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to the development or worsening of insulin resistance, increasing metabolic dysfunction (Cardiac risk, fatty liver, diabetes risk, etc). 

Stress often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as making poor dietary choices, improper physical activity, and disrupted sleep, all of which further contribute to blood sugar imbalance and increase autoimmune symptoms. 

How Are Leaky Gut, Autoimmune Diseases, And Blood Sugar Related?

Leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, allowing proteins, toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to cross the intestinal lining where they don’t belong. This triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation which can contribute to developing an autoimmune response.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. The proteins that cross the intestinal barrier are seen as a foreign object that must be attacked.  These proteins resemble other body tissues. The immune response to attack these foreign proteins leads to surrounding tissue damage.  Over time, this chronic inflammation leads to autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s, and multiple sclerosis. 

In turn, these autoimmune diseases can further damage the intestinal lining disrupting the ecosystem if the intestines.  This alteration in microorganisms leads to malabsorption and overgrowth of pathogens which can create a vicious cycle of inflammation and immune dysfunction.

Some medications used for autoimmune diseases, such as glucocorticoids (steroids), can increase blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing insulin sensitivity. Steroids increase cortisol which increases blood sugar which increases the risk of insulin resistance.

The chronic inflammatory state in autoimmune diseases, combined with oxidative stress, disrupts blood sugar balance. These factors not only worsen autoimmune symptoms but also increase the risk of developing other metabolic conditions like diabetes, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease.

Where Can I Go For Help?

If you’re struggling with an autoimmune disorder and/or blood sugar issues, don’t hesitate to seek support. Schedule an appointment with The Jen Twins today to get personalized guidance and support in managing your autoimmune symptoms and optimizing your blood sugar levels.

Be on the lookout for our upcoming The Sweet Truth Workshop to learn more about blood sugar management in autoimmune conditions.

Let’s work together to regain control of your health and get back your energy!