ADHD is a neuro developmental condition characterised by chronic executive dysfunction and impulsivity,which involvesan intensecraving for dopamine and the pursuit of activities that stimulate its release, such as food, sugary snacks, and coffee. These activities offer a temporary boost to the feel-good hormone dopamine.
Let us now examine the connection between type 2 diabetes and ADHD. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin resistance resulting from persistently elevated blood glucose levels, stemming from both genetic and lifestyle factors. In contrast, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that begins in childhood and is characterised by a complete absence of insulin, requiring daily insulin injections for patients. Type 2 diabetes,which developslaterin life, is highly preventable, and its prevalence is currently rising. Over the past few decades, the number of cases of type 2 diabetes has doubled, leading to a global economic burden and presenting a serious public health concern (Zhang and Gregg, 2017).What was once viewed solely as an adult issue is now emerging amongincreasingly younger adults and even children, due to lifestyle factors (Pinhas-Hamiel and Zeitler, 2005).
Whilst type 2 diabetes was thought to occur only in adults, now evidence shows that the incidence is increasing in young adults and adolescents as well as children. The morbidity and mortality of Type 2 diabetes is well-known and recognised to be a significant burden on the medical system. Genetic factors and modifiable factors like obesity, alcohol, smoking, poor diet, depression, and age are all known to be causative in Type 2 diabetes.ADHDis a neurodevelopmental disorder,while Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition. Although they may seem unrelated, they overlap in surprising ways, both biologically and behaviorally.
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There is an Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in People with ADHD
People with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, especially when the condition is left untreated, poor lifestyle, and co-morbid depression and anxiety are present. Compared to those without ADHD, people with ADHD have twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Impulsivity with food, especially high-sugar, high-carbohydrate diet, no routine with eating habits, low motivation to exercise, difficulties with sleep, and not complying with medications are all risk factors in someone with ADHD and impulsivity.
Dopamine dysregulation affects attention,motivation,appetite, reward pathways, and metabolism.Stress and cortisol levelstend to be higher in ADHD, which may contribute to insulin resistance over time. Stimulant medications used in the treatment of ADHD will curb impulsivity when it comes to food choices, reduce appetite, and, as part of, improve executive functioning. Proper treatment of ADHD will minimise the risk of diabetes and also better management of overall risk, functioning and self-care. Cognitive impairment may occur with insulin resistance, and this may overlap with symptoms of ADHD. It can lead to inattention, mood swings, less concentration, feelings of brain fog and irritability. It is important to note that ADHD is a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. This connection involves both behavioural and biological pathways. It is essential to understand that proper treatment for ADHD will help reduce risk of diabetes.
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