Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). In recent years, the prevalence of diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes and its precursor, prediabetes, has surged alarmingly. But the good news is that both conditions are not only manageable but also reversible through a holistic approach like functional medicine.
Understanding Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It often serves as a warning sign that Type 2 diabetes may develop if lifestyle changes are not made.
Type 2 diabetes is a more severe condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Over time, this can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues.
Causes of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Several factors contribute to the development of these conditions:
- Genetics: A family history of diabetes increases your risk.
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, is a significant risk factor.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Poor Diet: Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to increased blood sugar levels.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk.
Why is This Condition Growing?
The increase in prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes can be attributed to several societal changes:
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Modern conveniences have led to decreased physical activity.
- Dietary Habits: The prevalence of processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats contributes to rising obesity rates.
- Stress: Increased stress levels can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and hormonal imbalances.
Complications of Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease: People with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to pain, tingling, or loss of feeling, particularly in the feet and hands.
- Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss.
- Nephropathy: Diabetic nephropathy is kidney damage due to diabetes, which can lead to kidney failure.
- Foot Complications: Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations.
- Skin Complications: Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections and disorders.
- Gum Disease: Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
Traditional Treatments
Traditional approaches to managing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes often focus on medication and lifestyle modifications. This may include:
- Medications: Drugs like metformin may be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels.
- Dietary Changes: Patients are often advised to follow a low-calorie diet, but specific recommendations may be limited.
- Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential to manage the condition.
While these methods can be effective, they often focus primarily on symptom management rather than addressing the root causes.
The Functional Medicine Approach
Functional medicine offers a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment strategy by looking at the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Here’s how it works:
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Personalized Assessment: A functional medicine practitioner will conduct a detailed assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors.
- Laboratory Testing: Advanced functional testing may include metabolic panels, hormone levels, and gut health evaluations to identify underlying imbalances.
- Identifying Triggers: The focus is on finding the root causes of insulin resistance and other issues contributing to blood sugar imbalances.
Holistic Treatment Strategies
- Dietary Modifications: Implementing a whole-foods-based diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low in refined sugars can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
- Address the gut health: Leaky gut is associated with diabetes and insulin resistance. We take comprehensive approach to healing the gut.
- Physical Activity: A tailored exercise program can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce body fat.
- Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress, which often affects blood sugar levels.
- Supplements and Herbal Remedies: Certain supplements may support blood sugar regulation and improve metabolic health.
Reversibility of the Condition
The exciting aspect of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes is that they are reversible with the right lifestyle changes, targeted short term supplements. Many individuals have successfully normalized their blood sugar levels through a functional medicine approach at Cherish Functional Wellness naturally and saying goodbye to Diabetes medications for good.
Join the Cherish Program for Results
If you’re looking to take control of your health and reverse prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes naturally, consider joining the Cherish program. Our holistic approach combines functional medicine principles with personalized care to help you make lasting changes. Our group coaching and 1:1 personal visits can transform your health for good.
Don’t let diabetes define your life. With the right tools and support, you can reclaim your health and well-being. Start your journey today toward a healthier future!
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2022). “Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.” Diabetes Care, 45(Supplement 1), S144-S174
American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2022). “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022.” Diabetes Care, 45(Supplement 1), S1-S264.
American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2022). “Type 2 Diabetes.” ADA Website https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-2
Boulton, A. J. M., Vinik, A. I., Arezzo, J., et al. (2005). “Diabetic neuropathies: A statement by the American Diabetes Association.” Diabetes Care, 28(4), 956-962.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). “Prediabetes.” CDC Website
Cho, N. H., Shaw, J. E., Karuranga, S., et al. (2018). “IDF Diabetes Atlas: Global estimates of diabetes prevalence for 2011 and projections for 2030 and 2040.” Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 87, 4-14. Link
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