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World Diabetes Day reminds us that diabetes isn’t just about sugar - it’s about how our body uses energy.
Hormones and metabolism play a significant role in this process, though they are often misunderstood. Instead of focusing on the mythology behind a slow metabolism or the oversimplification of "eat less to burn more," it is essential to acknowledge that metabolism is complex and flexible and is influenced by hormones, lifestyle habits, and revolutionary medical studies. Not only does this developing science give actual hope of what can be done to prevent and manage diabetes, but it also leaves the possibility of diabetes remission in a few patients. The adoption of this realisation has the potential to revolutionise the way we treat diabetes.
Synopsis
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term lifestyle condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively. It occurs when insulin, a key hormone, is insufficient or ineffective, disrupting how the body converts food into energy. The two main types, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, differ in cause, but both affect metabolic health.
Some Common Myths Related to Diabetes
Before diving into the science, it helps to clear up a few common myths that often cause confusion about metabolism and diabetes.
Myth #1: ‘Some People Just Have a Slow Metabolism’
Metabolism is the set of chemical processes that convert food into energy, essentially keeping your body alive and active. While genetics play a role, your metabolic rate is primarily shaped by muscle mass, and more muscle means more calories burned at rest, age, activity levels, and critical hormones such as thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin. Although hypothyroidism can slow metabolism, it is not very common. The essential thing to remember is that metabolism is flexible, responding to movement, nutrition, and lifestyle habits rather than being a fixed inherited trait.
Myth #2: ‘Eating Less Always Slows Metabolism
When you drastically reduce calories, the body then, in response, conserves energy in a process that is referred to as adaptive thermogenesis. This implies that it is going to burn fewer calories to defend itself; hence, extreme dieting is not productive in the long run. Being an effective method to sustain your body muscles and ensure an efficient metabolism, having an adequate amount of protein in your diet is necessary. Consider food as a signal to your body that it is safe to expend some energy. Eat in a normal, consistent way that maintains balance, and you will have confidence in your hormones and metabolism, which is far more productive than starving yourself to death.
Myth #3: ‘Certain Foods or Drinks Boost Metabolism’
It is a common belief that metabolism can be increased by eating such things as green tea, chilli or caffeine, but the consequences are often minimal and temporary. Constant lifestyle practices yield real, lasting metabolic benefits. Frequent exercise, including walking and muscle building, and good sleep and stress management can assist one in controlling the level of hormones such as ghrelin, leptin, and cortisol that affect hunger and fat storage. It does not have any magic meal, but the thing is to create healthy habits.
The Hormone Connection and the Rise of GLP-1
Hormones are vital in regulating metabolism. Let’s learn about key hormones and their roles:
- Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4): set the metabolic pace
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Insulin: controls glucose entry into cells
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Cortisol: chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, leading to increased blood sugar and fat storage
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Leptin and Ghrelin: regulate hunger and fullness.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1), released after meals, enhances insulin release and signals fullness but may be impaired in those with diabetes or obesity. New GLP-1 analogues, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, mimic this hormone’s effects by lowering blood sugar and reducing appetite. While they don’t directly speed up metabolism, they help restore hormonal balance, which is crucial for metabolic health.
Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Remission
Diabetes remission is a process in which you can control the normal amount of blood sugar without medication by making healthy choices in life. According to the studies, it is possible to alleviate the insulin resistance in the body and fat in the liver and pancreas by losing only 5-10% of body weight. The studies were conducted to show that the combination of the GLP-1 treatments with lifestyle modifications can result in the achievement of higher levels of controlling blood sugar. Notably, it can reduce or even stop taking other medications under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
This World Diabetes Day: Small Steps, Big Change
As World Diabetes Day 2025 is set to illuminate the health of the world, it is worth recalling that when we have awareness of hormones and metabolism, we will be able to have diabetes under control, literally. With over half a billion people living with diabetes worldwide, understanding hormones and metabolism can empower us to take control of our health. Small lifestyle changes for diabetes can make a significant difference:
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Walk more often.
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Choose wholesome, balanced meals.
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Prioritise quality sleep and stress management.
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Seek personalised medical advice for treatment or medication.
Remember, your metabolism isn't broken; your body is adaptive and resilient. With proper care and consistency, it can surprise you.
If you’re concerned about diabetes, metabolic issues, or hormonal imbalance, book a consultation with expert endocrinologists at Manipal Hospitals for personalised guidance and advanced care. Your health journey starts with the right support.
FAQ's
Hormones and Metabolism include all chemical processes that convert food into energy. In diabetes, the body's ability to use energy, particularly glucose, is disrupted.
Extreme calorie restriction can trigger adaptive thermogenesis, which slows down metabolism. Therefore, balanced nutrition is essential for maintaining metabolic health.
While items like green tea or caffeine may have temporary effects, consistent lifestyle factors such as exercise and adequate sleep are much more significant for metabolic health.
Regular physical activity, balanced meals, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management can improve metabolism and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Yes, hormones regulate hunger, metabolism, and fat storage. Balancing these hormones through lifestyle changes and medication can support diabetes management.
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