What is the “honeymoon phase”?
In a person who has type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed by immune cells. However, right after the time of diagnosis, some patients go through a “honeymoon phase” in which their existing beta cells still function. A number of research projects are currently taking place which hope to preserve the function of these existing beta cells after the honeymoon phase in people with type 1 diabetes.
“Honeymooning” doesn’t really happen with Type 2 diabetics. The “honeymoon phase” is when the pancreas retains some of its function (producing insulin). Most Type 2 diabetics have pancreatic function for their entire lives. Many go on insulin because their pancreases over time begin to have limited function, meaning they don’t produce enough insulin even with medication, but that’s not quite the same. Type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant, not insulin dependent, at least at first. Type 1s and Type 1.5s (LADA) aren’t insulin resistant. Their bodies do not produce enough insulin because of limited to nonexistent pancreatic function. Of course, a pancreas doesn’t just “crap out” overnight. Sometimes it takes years for the pancreas to stop working completely. If an individual manages to get diagnosed during that period when the pancreas is still producing insulin, it’s called “honeymooning.” It’s good to catch diabetes in the honeymoon phase because the right approach can delay a move to
In a person who has type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed. However, during the period immediately following diagnosis, most people go through a “honeymoon phase” in which their existing beta cells still function, producing some insulin. A number of research projects are currently underway which hope to preserve the function of these existing beta cells past the honeymoon phase.
