PsA patients are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Discover why.
When you are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you may be confused. It’s no surprise, given all of the fresh and confusing information bombarding you. PsA and other chronic autoimmune diseases can be terrifying. Worryingly, you may have heard that there is a correlation between psoriatic arthritis and diabetes. According to research, at least for type 2 diabetes.
The link between diabetes and PsA is a little hazy: (Which causes which? The researchers are unsure.) However, according to a study published in Rheumatology and Therapy, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with psoriatic arthritis ranged from 6.1% to 20.2%, compared to 2.4% to 14.8% in the general population.
So, if you’re concerned about this link, what can you do? We asked our experts to explain the connection and provide advice on how to properly treat both ailments.
The Diabetes-Psoriatic Arthritis Connection
The link between PsA and type 2 diabetes, the most common metabolic disorder in adults, is becoming clearer.
“Psoriatic arthritis and diabetes are frequently found in patients.” “Psoriatic arthritis patients have higher rates of metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” explains Dr. Soumya Hullannavar, Lead Ayurveda Endocrine Specialist at Diabetes Reversal Clinics & EliteAyurveda Clinics.
Similarly, type 2 diabetes can exacerbate psoriatic arthritis, making it more difficult to control. “Diabetes is a very inflammatory disease,” says Dr. Soumya. “If left unchecked, it makes psoriatic arthritis more difficult to treat.”
It might be difficult to treat persons who have both psoriatic arthritis and diabetes. “NSAIDs and steroids should be avoided in people with diabetes,” says Dr. Soumya, “which are mainstays in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.” This is because, while NSAIDs like ibuprofen help ease the pain associated with PsA, they can also be harmful to the kidneys, which is especially problematic if you have diabetes.
According to one study published in Diabetic Medicine, NSAIDs should be used with extreme caution in diabetics due to the increased risk of chronic renal damage. Furthermore, NSAIDs can cause hypoglycemia.
Meanwhile, according to a study steroids such as prednisone can interfere with blood sugar levels. As a result, treating PsA with steroids and NSAIDs can exacerbate diabetes.
Diabetes and PsA Inflammation
Psoriatic arthritis and diabetes are both inflammatory diseases that worsen over time. Because persistent inflammation can cause long-term damage to organs, muscles, and joints, researchers are working to reduce inflammation in illnesses such as diabetes and PsA.
PsA is an autoimmune illness in which your immune system incorrectly assaults joint tissue such as tendons and ligaments. That immune system reaction? Inflammation causes discomfort and stiffness and has the potential to cause long-term joint and skin damage. As a result, one of the key goals of PsA treatment is to reduce or regulate inflammation.
The role of inflammation in type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a little more nuanced. This is how it works: When we ingest food, our bodies automatically convert it to glucose, a type of dietary sugar. This glucose is subsequently used to generate energy. People with type 2 diabetes develop a tolerance to insulin, which is known as insulin resistance (or reduced sensitivity), for unknown reasons.
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells do not respond to insulin as they should. As a result, your body becomes less efficient in converting sugar to energy. Circulating glucose subsequently accumulates in the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood sugar and type 2 diabetes.
A review published in the journal Diabetes reveals a link between inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance. Other studies, such as one published in Current Diabetes Reviews, reveal a relationship between high levels of inflammatory markers and the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
According to a study, inflammation can produce persistent immune system activation even in tiny doses, which can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
So it’s clear that inflammation is an issue (or at least a contributing factor) in both diabetes and PsA. Here are some things you can do to help your immune system cool down.
Diabetes, Diet, and Psoriatic Arthritis
As experts investigate the harmful function of chronic inflammation in the body, data such as a study published in the European Cardiology Review, among others, pointing to poor diet as one of the causes of inflammatory disorders such as diabetes and PsA.
The relationship between excessive sugar consumption and type 2 diabetes is widely documented, but those with PsA are not immune. Sugar, boosts the inflammatory response in autoimmune disorders such as psoriatic arthritis.
While there is no need to follow a specific psoriatic arthritis diet to help reduce your inflammation, there are several foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties, such as:
Fruits, particularly those with dark red, purple, or blue hues
Vegetables with green leaves
Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, nuts, seeds, and avocadoes are all high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Organic beef, poultry, and dairy products
Omega-3-rich seed and nuts, such as walnuts, chia, flax, and hemp seeds
Complete grains
Avoid eating the following foods:
Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives
Quick foods
Cold cuts, sausage, and bacon are examples of processed meat.
Flour blanche
granulated sugar
Changes in Lifestyle Can Be Beneficial
Here’s some encouraging news: Treating PsA plus diabetes is frequently a matter of killing two birds with one stone. Because diabetes and psoriatic arthritis are often co-occurring conditions with many of the same underlying causes, certain therapeutic strategies are comparable. Although the medications used to treat each condition may not overlap, lifestyle adjustments can help keep your PsA and diabetes in check, leading to greater health and fewer flares.
Medication, weight control, nutrition, and exercise are all used to treat these problems. “Many patients with psoriatic arthritis and diabetes benefit from strict dietary control and weight loss,” Dr. Soumya explains. “Reducing stress, while easier said than done, is advised in both diseases.” These therapies have both been shown to reduce disease activity and regulate inflammation.”
Keep the following extra tips from our experts in mind as you explore lifestyle changes to help you manage your diseases.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity-related inflammation has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and is also a risk factor for the development of psoriatic arthritis. As a result, weight control is an essential component of the therapy approach.
Maintain a nutritious diet. Anti-inflammatory foods may aid in the reduction of inflammation. Discuss appropriate foods for your condition with your provider.
Control your tension. When feasible, try to prevent stress. In order to handle anxiety and stress, incorporate stress alleviation strategies.
Exercise on a regular basis. For a safe fitness programme, consult your provider.
Juggling a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis alongside a diabetes diagnosis is difficult. Collaborate with your doctor (or doctors) to develop a strategy that will help you lessen symptoms while working towards remission. Also, try the following recommendations for a healthy diet and exercise: Changes in lifestyle will not solve everything, but you will be moving your health in the correct direction.
Our Outlook –
How are we able to Treat Diabetes Completely?
“Madhumeha” is the term for Diabetes in Ayurveda, which means ‘Sweet urine’. The manifestation of diabetes is through thirst or urination. According to Ayurveda, due to accumulation of Vata Dosha. Vata dosha accumulates in the large intestine and travels to the pancreas, which hampers its functioning.
Sometimes, Pitta Dosha also leads to diabetes. This is when Pitta gets accumulated in the small intestine before moving to the liver and may cause damage to pancreas. As the main constituent of Pitta is Agni, it burns out pancreas leading to Diabetes.
If the above things are taken into consideration, the treatment of Diabetes in Ayurveda starts with proper cleansing of the body and balancing of doshas. The treatment includes herbal combinations that are prepared based on individual Prakruti and Vikruti analysis. Ie. The treatment is based on a person’s body composition & which dosha is dominant. The treatments like Dhara, Udwarthanam, Thalam, etc are followed to reverse diabetes. The treatment also includes Panchakarma & Yoga procedures to address the root cause of disease. We have seen many patients successfully reversing Diabetes and now living a healthy life.
Unlike other treatment procedures that jump straight to symptom management, we address the root-cause of the disease. Our treatment for Diabetes has proved to achieve a near cure and symptom-free state. We focus on diet, use of potent herbs, meditation, massage with herbal oils and yoga. These classical ayurveda practices have proven & shown sustained results in our Diabetes Treatment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Soumya Hullannavar, Lead Ayurveda Endocrine Specialist at Diabetes Reversal Clinics & EliteAyurveda Clinics. With over 15 years of experience in treating endocrine & diabetes cases
Visit diabetesreversal.clinic for additional details.
