Things my T1D body doesn't produce

I was led to believe that insulin is the only thing that my T1D body can't create, but that couldn't be further from the truth. On this blog post I will mention the 6 different hormones a type 1 diabetic body doesn't metabolically produce, 5 of which most T1Ds aren't even aware of.

The reason these hormones are not produced is because the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas' insulin producing Beta cells and islets required to produce these hormones effectively in the body.

Insulin

This one is a no-brainer for all type 1 diabetics. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. It acts as a "key" that unlocks your cells, allowing them to absorb sugar from the food you eat and convert it into energy. 

Glucagon

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels. It works in opposition to insulin. When blood glucose drops, glucagon signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into usable glucose and release it into the bloodstream. 

Amylin

Amylin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas alongside insulin every time you eat. It plays a critical role in metabolic regulation by telling the brain you are full, slowing down stomach emptying, and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.

Somatostatin

Somatostatin, also known as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH), is a peptide hormone that primarily acts to inhibit the release of other hormones, regulate gastrointestinal activity, and stop rapid cell reproduction. It is naturally produced in the brain (hypothalamus), the gut, and the pancreas (the major source).

Incretin

Incretins are a group of metabolic hormones released by the gut into the bloodstream after eating. Their primary job is to lower blood sugar by triggering insulin release from the pancreas, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite.  The two main incretins in the human body are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). 

C-peptide

C-peptide (connecting peptide) is a short chain of amino acids released by the pancreas into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin. Measuring C-peptide is the most accurate way to determine how much natural insulin your body is producing, as it remains in your blood longer than insulin itself. [1, 2]