Diabetes has become a common condition in America since the introduction of high-carb, high-sugar diets. In honor of Diabetes Awareness month, we wanted to promote ways to prevent Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by sharing some treatment methods for addressing prediabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
The term “prediabetes” indicates an increased level of blood sugar that’s above average but below Type 2 diabetes levels. Unchecked prediabetes can progress to Type 2 diabetes, which damages the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. However, addressing prediabetes symptoms and treatment is
pivotal in halting the progression from prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes.
While prediabetes does not often present with clear symptoms, some possible indicators have been identified. Individuals may notice patches on the knees, elbows, armpits, knuckles, and neck. Blood sugar levels also provide a warning for prediabetes and the transition to Type 2 diabetes.
The Dangers of Type 2 Diabetes
Without lifestyle changes, the transition from prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes may be unavoidable. Sugar levels rise further as the body is unable to adequately metabolize glucose (sugar), which collects in the bloodstream.
Cells need glucose to function and use the insulin hormone to transport glucose and convert it into energy. However, individuals with Type 2 diabetes experience resistance to insulin, leaving glucose to further accumulate in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of diabetes include feel
ing more hungry and thirsty, gaining weight, fatigue, urinating more often than normal, blurred vision, and persistent wounds.
Conventional Treatments for Prediabetes
If an individual suspects he or she is suffering from prediabetes, they will likely call a conventional medicine doctor first. The doctor will test blood sugar levels via Fasting Blood Glucose Test, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, or Hemoglobin A1c test.
Diabetes treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but few conventional doctors stray outside the narrow path of prescription medications. They may prescribe Onglyza, Metformin, and Avandia— all involve an array of unpleasant side effects.
When it comes to prediabetes, many doctors won’t address symptoms or recommend treatment at all. Traditional treatment begins only when blood sugar levels have elevated to those of Type 2 diabetes, but at this point, the patient has little hope for preventing diabetes.
Conventional medicine doesn’t address the root cause of Type 2 diabetes, which can be treated with lifestyle changes. Furthermore, the general diet guidelines for Type 2 diabetics are inaccurate according to more recent research. These faulty nutrition plans promote plenty of carbohydrates (which break down into glucose) and low levels of fats.
Functional Medicine and D
iabetes
Addressing the Root Cause
Functional medicine is all about locating the source of an illness or disease, not just treating the symptoms. We believe that with just a little help, the body is fully capable of autonomous healing.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, while Type 2 diabetes may result from lifestyle habits, though there is no sole cause. By adopting changes in diet and physical activity, Type 2 diabetes recovery and management are very possible.
Functional medicine addresses prediabetes symptoms and treatment as well as Type 2 diabetes treatment. Our doctors look at your body as a complete system of interconnected parts, not just the areas affected by diabetes. Symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg.
Treating Diabetes
When it comes to effectively treating prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, nutrition is a key factor. We recommend a two-pronged approach: lowering the amount of carbohydrates you eat while increasing their quality. Carbs hig
h in fiber are typically the best, but trial and error may be required to determine which carbs work for your body. Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all method for treating diabetes. Some individuals may adopt the Keto diet, while others may cut inflammatory gluten proteins.
Foods high in protein and fat, as well as fish oil supplements, help to lower blood sugar levels. Specific foods such as blueberries, cacao, fermented foods, seeds, and seafood among others contribute to healing diabetes. Also, crucial nutrients such as vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and berberine limit and prevent diabetes.
Rising Health patients can speak to our board-certified functional nutrition health and lifestyle coach, Sinead Urwin. Sinead understands the challenges of prediabetes and guides individuals toward health and prevention.
Low physical activity levels may also contribute to the development of diabetes. Therefore, functional medicine doctors often prescribe a regular exercise regimen. Physical activity boosts the immune system, speeds up metabolism, and ultimately helps our cells convert glucose into energy.
Diabetes treatment isn’t just about physical health. Healthy sleep levels, stress management, and mental health are also important factors. In a world with electric lights and screens everywhere, the body’s normal times for digesting, repairing, and functioning are thrown off-kilter. Additionally, managing stress may be achieved through at-home methods such as deep breathing or stretching, while others may seek outside help to address mental health.
Finally, Rising Health offers advanced metabolic therapy that directly treats prediabetes and related conditions. Using of FDA-approved infusion pumps that are uniquely programmed and specific to the patented treatment program, this treatment helps retrain the signaling communication processes between the liver and pancreas. This helps kick-start the metabolism and improve diabetic complications. Paired with hormone therapy and healthy lifestyle changes, this unique diabetes treatment has been found to be highly effective.
Get Results with Functional Medicine
For in-depth information about living with diabetes, visit Diabetes Relief SLC for resources, articles, and FAQs. This website is hosted by the practitioners at Rising Health Clinic with a special emphasis on diabetes relief.
The causes and symptoms of your diabetes are as unique as you are. As functional medicine doctors in Utah, we’re here to help with prediabetes symptoms and treatment, addressing the root of your diabetes and providing a customized approach to healing. Here at Rising Health, “we work for you!”