Diabetes and Autism: How to Fight on Two Fronts?

First, it’s important to understand what each condition involves. There is no direct dependence between diabetes and autism — they are two separate conditions — but sometimes they can occur in the same individual.

• Diabetes is a chronic illness related to the body’s impaired regulation of blood glucose levels. It has two types:
  • Type 1 is autoimmune and often begins in childhood.
  • Type 2 is insulin-resistant, more often associated with lifestyle, but can also appear in children.
• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including autism, are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, affecting communication and sensory sensitivity.

Possible Links Between Autism and Diabetes

Although distinct, there are a few potential connections between the two:

• Prenatal Factors: Some studies suggest that gestational diabetes in mothers may increase the risk of ASD in children. Though mechanisms are not fully understood, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress are believed to play a role.
• Genetic Syndromes: In some syndromes, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, both autism and a tendency toward diabetes are frequently observed.
• Metabolic Disorders: Autistic individuals are more prone to metabolic issues and obesity, which can raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Research has also helped debunk several myths regarding autism and diabetes. For example, there’s no scientific evidence that vaccinations cause diabetes. Additionally, diabetes in children with ASD is not always linked to obesity — type 1 diabetes is not related to body weight, and the risk of type 2 varies individually.

Challenges of Managing Diabetes in Autistic Individuals

Treating diabetes in individuals with autism presents a unique set of challenges:

• Recognizing Symptoms: Children may have difficulty recognizing or communicating symptoms like low blood sugar, especially if they have delayed speech.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Sensitivity to needles or physical sensations can make insulin injections or blood glucose testing stressful.
• Dietary Selectivity: Food aversions and rigid preferences can complicate adherence to diabetes-specific dietary plans.

On the bright side, autistic individuals often prefer structure and routines — a trait that aligns well with the demands of diabetes management, which requires consistent monitoring and timely meals. With a carefully developed schedule, they can thrive.

Supporting Dual Management Through Cell Therapy

One way to simplify the challenge of managing both conditions is to address autism itself. The most reliable and rapid approach available today is cellular therapy — an innovative, minimally invasive technique that goes beyond symptom management to target the core of the disorder.

This method involves the transplantation of stem cells taken from the patient’s own body, eliminating the risk of rejection and ensuring complete safety. It’s also a natural method, as healing occurs through the stimulation of the body’s own regenerative abilities, without the use of drugs or psychological interventions.

Stem cells possess a unique ability to transform into various cell types and replace damaged ones with healthy counterparts. In autism, this leads to normalization of brain and nervous system function, stabilization of behavior, and reduction or complete elimination of symptoms. The results are long-lasting — often lifelong — and enhance the effectiveness of additional support measures.

Cell therapy has already demonstrated high effectiveness and received widespread recognition. It is expected to become a primary method of treating autism and its symptoms in the future. Leading clinics around the world are already using this approach, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, known for its extensive and successful experience in stem cell transplantation.

Highly qualified doctors there utilize state-of-the-art equipment to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes, and the overall quality of care meets the highest international standards — often at a lower cost than in countries like the USA or Israel. Another advantage is the comprehensive support offered throughout the entire process, including travel planning and accommodation during the rehabilitation period.

Choose cell therapy — and managing diabetes will become easier!