If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to manage your hormone levels, as an imbalance can alter how your body responds to insulin. Lifestyle measures like reducing stressors and eating a balanced diet can help.

The body produces several powerful chemical messengers called hormones to regulate processes such as digestion, growth, and development. However, sometimes, the body produces too much or too little of a hormone, causing a hormonal imbalance. Even a slight imbalance can be problematic.

Here’s what you need to know about the link between type 2 diabetes and hormonal imbalances.

It’s not just an imbalance of insulin that can be problematic with diabetes. The hormone glucagon, which is produced in the pancreas, helps the liver turn stored sugar into energy. Normally, insulin and glucagon work together to regulate blood sugar levels. However, an imbalance of insulin can affect the production of glucagon.

If you develop an imbalance of other types of hormones, it can also affect your diabetes. For example, research suggests a link between diabetes and higher cortisol levels. Your body produces cortisol in response to stress and releases it into your bloodstream.

High cortisol levels can disrupt many systems in the body, but specifically, it can raise your blood sugar levels. It can make it harder for the insulin produced by your body to remove that sugar from your bloodstream.

Here are some strategies that may help you manage your diabetes and any other hormonal imbalances you may have.

Get the medical care you need

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage all your health needs, including medication management. If you’re taking diabetes medication, be sure to take it exactly as prescribed.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a moderate weight can go a long way toward helping you manage your diabetes. A diabetes educator or a registered dietitian may be able to help you figure out what to eat to help you achieve your goals.

Reduce stress levels

Committing to activities that help you reduce your stress may help you balance your cortisol levels, which can, in turn, affect your blood sugar management.

In addition to other healthy lifestyle choices, consider mind-body exercises such as tai chi and yoga. Some research suggests that these may also help you sleep better.

There are several treatment methods available for type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle changes

Many people with type 2 diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels with lifestyle changes, including exercise and nutrition, especially if they have overweight or obesity. For some people, losing just 5% to 10% of their body weight can make a difference. Plus, being active can make your body more sensitive to insulin again.

Non-insulin medications

The American Diabetes Association mentions that people with type 2 diabetes have several non-insulin options to help them manage their condition. Most people start by taking metformin, which helps in several ways. It reduces the amount of insulin the liver produces and the amount of glucose that the body absorbs from food. It also increases the body’s response to insulin.

The other most commonly used medications for helping people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels include:

  • Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
  • Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and dual GLP-1/gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) receptor agonists
  • Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

Some people may also need to use a combination of medications to help them keep their blood sugar levels within their target range.

Insulin

Some people with type 2 diabetes may need to use insulin. Usually, they need insulin because other medications do not work—or no longer work—to help them manage their blood sugar levels.

There may also be occasions when they need to take insulin for a temporary amount of time, such as during a hospitalization or when pregnant.

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your blood sugar levels, consider speaking with a doctor. You may need to adjust your diabetes medication or try a different medication option. It’s also possible that a doctor may need to adjust any treatments you’re taking for other hormonally-related conditions.

You can live a healthy, active life with a hormonal imbalance, including diabetes. Many treatment options exist that can help you manage your diabetes and any other hormonal condition that you may have so that you can carry out your daily activities.