Multiple Sclerosis and diabetes are both autoimmune diseases. In MS the immune system destroys myelin which is a layer or coating around the nerves. In type 1 diabetes the immune system while trying to fight off bacteria and infections hits the beta cells that make insulin which controls the amount of glucose produced in the blood streams. Researchers have been investigating the link and connection between both of these autoimmune diseases; if MS triggers the development of diabetes.
While researchers were investigating this matter they found evidence proving that diabetes was higher in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis than other people. One of the effects of multiple sclerosis is the increase of insulin resistance and oxidative stress. It also results in pancreatic islet cell function and higher blood glucose levels. This increases the risk of developing cardiovascular comorbidities including DMII. This causes lower physical activity levels and higher BMI which are both connected to diabetes. MS is more likely to be prevalent in people with higher impaired glucose tolerance leading to diabetes. Additionally disease modifying therapies which are used to prevent multiple sclerosis can show effects in increasing the risk rate to type one diabetes in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Not only diabetes but this autoimmune disease has shown effects of causing other diseases. Secondary analysis concludes that multiple sclerosis characteristics like EDSS and disease durations do not affect the formation of diabetes however other factors do. Like genetics, weight, infections and bacteria caused by MS. To be more in depth MS can lead to inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration all important in the development of type one and two diabetes.
However there are multiple preventage strategies that people can use to prevent the formation of diabetes in people with multiple sclerosis. According to the World Health Organization in order to prevent the formation of diabetes in people with MS it is necessary to be cautious regarding BMI levels, this includes at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Get rid of any habits of smoking or drugs. Maintain a healthy diet consisting of low fats and saturated foods, and minimal sugar. Another way of preventing MS and diabetes is increasing the level of vitamin D. This includes increasing the sun exposure, or taking vitamin D supplements, serums, or injections. Because a person's levels of vitamin D have noticeable effects on insulin resistance. Along the lines of diet, a recent study has proven that fatty fish and cod liver oil has reduced the increase in type one diabetes in multiple sclerosis patients. Due to its heart protective factors and effects it is very healthy and recommended by doctors to consume. This also highlights the importance of keeping a healthy gut. Dysbiosis; the good and bad bacteria can create inflammation which is why it is important for the gut to have a healthy balance of prebiotics and probiotics. Like fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Type one diabetes and multiple sclerosis have many connections as both are autoimmune diseases and have multiple risk factors including the environment, lifestyle factors, and genetics. However it is important to modify lifestyle choices to prevent unhealthy habits that can risk the formation of both of these diseases.
Citations:
NLM. (n.d.). A population-based cohort study suggests an increased risk of multiple sclerosis incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5394222/
NLM. (n.d.). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) in the multiple sclerosis population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10420178/
Verywellhealth. (2022, July 25). Does having type 1 diabetes increase your risk of multiple sclerosis? Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ms-and-diabetes-5225266
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