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Type 2 Diabetes - An Autoimmune Condition? - The Apeiron Life Perspective


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What it is:


Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic condition that affects how the body regulates and utilizes glucose for energy. Typically, it leads to high blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin production and/or insulin resistance. Insulin is a blood glucose regulator without which our body can’t clear and utilize glucose effectively. T2DM affects glucose metabolism and can have other health complications.


Spikes and chronic high blood glucose levels are detrimental to the body for a number of reasons, including but not limited to damage to blood vessels, nerve issues, vision issues, kidney issues, and many more.


For many years, the medical community has believed that T2DM was solely a metabolic disease (a disorder in which metabolic processes fail). However, new research has emerged suggesting that it might have an autoimmune component.


Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakes your body as a threat and attacks itself, leading to chronic inflammation. Common autoimmune conditions include Type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are various treatment routes and lifestyle changes for these diseases, but one component is promoting anti-inflammatory practices, such as eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory compounds.


If new research continues to emerge showing T2DM to have an autoimmune component, new treatments might be on the horizon to help prevent and treat the condition.



Purported treatment:

Consuming foods that down-regulate inflammatory markers:

  • Phytonutrient-rich fruits and vegetables including but not limited to:

    • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)

    • Onions/Garlic

    • Berries, Cherries, Pomegranates

    • Citrus Fruits

    • Dark leafy greens


  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been studied and shown to be associated with a reduced risk of T1DM when supplemented in early childhood. It is suggested that Vitamin D might inhibit the autoimmune reaction that damages pancreatic beta cells.


  • Curcuminoid (In Turmeric): Curcumin is an active compound found in turmeric which should be consumed with black pepper (increases bioavailability). Its isolated form has been shown to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The effect of curcumin and curcuminoid has been widely researched and proven to have potent properties that can aid in diabetes and beyond.

    • Supplement form - Doses up to 12 g are safe and effective. Typically, 1.5 grams of curcuminoids/day in 2 divided doses.


  • Omega-3 (EPA + DHA ) fatty acids: Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce diabetic complications, reduce inflammation and improve the immune system. If you’re interested in supplementing, work with your Apeiron Life Client Advocate to ensure you are getting both a medical-grade quality product and the right potency of these omega-3 fats.

    • Foods high in omega-3s:

      • Salmon

      • Sardines

      • Anchovies

      • Mackerel

      • Chia seeds

      • Flax seeds

      • Walnuts


  • Probiotics: With chronic inflammation, many organs may be inflamed - including the critical digestive system. With the aid of probiotics, your body can feed the good bacteria that are involved in anti-inflammation and increase immune system cells, such as T-reg. These strains have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect:

    • Bifidobacteria infantis (B. infantis) 35624.

    • Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (L. paracasei), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (B. lactis) and heat-treated Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum).

      • Found in fermented dairies such as yogurt and kefir.


Reduce pro-inflammatory factors such as:

  • Refined carbohydrates and sugars, sodas

  • Alcohol

  • Stress

  • Saturated fat

  • Tobacco


Regular physical activity: Exercise is already known as a powerful tool in diabetes prevention and treatment. Physical activity is a natural, anti-inflammatory strategy that can easily be incorporated into almost anyone’s routine, pending a physician’s approval. To prevent and treat type II diabetes, one should engage in regular daily exercise for at least 30 minutes.



What the science says:

Research is emerging that pro-inflammatory factors trigger immune responses, inflammation, which might also play a role in Type 2 Diabetes. The extreme inflammatory response of T2DM tends to run in certain families. There is a known inflammation component to T2DM, which led researchers to hypothesize that T2DM might have similar properties to other autoimmune conditions.


Evidence suggests that many of the vital elements like insulin sensitivity of T2DM are related to B and T cell degradation (both essential immune system cells). High-fat, high-calorie diets trigger the immune B and T cells, causing inflammation in the fatty tissues till the cells break down. The dying cells trigger the need for macrophages to clean up the mess created and a constant cycle of inflammation ensues.


The low-grade chronic inflammation that occurs throughout the body in T2DM is detrimental to many areas, from the brain to the gut. Dampening unnecessary inflammatory responses without compromising healthy immune function is a major factor in controlling T2DM. Currently, care for T2DM revolves around blood glucose control however, there is not a lot of active work toward inflammatory response.


Implementing anti-inflammatory lifestyle choices is a good start to treat and prevent overburdening of the body.



Our take:

Your Client Advocate is a great resource for glucose monitoring and anti-inflammatory lifestyle change information. Although the theory that Type 2 Diabetes is part of a wider inflammatory response in the body, our modern lifestyles tend to be inflammatory anyway. This means we can implement practices that are beneficial to the brain and body overall without knowing the full picture of T2DM as an autoimmune condition.



Will this benefit you?

Most likely, yes! Anti-inflammatory lifestyle practices are beneficial to everyone.



Still curious?

For any interest in immunosuppressant medications or practices, speak with your physician to understand your options.


References and additional reading:




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