Does it seem that in every doctor’s visit, the only thing discussed is your A1c level? It does makes sense. Diabetes is a big health problem, with more than 1.5 million Americans diagnosed every year.
In 2015, 88 million Americans aged 18 and older had prediabetes. But instead of being a collaborator in their health, many patients experience the medical system as a bystander, simply being told what to do and how much medication to take. Even if natural approaches were desired, many medical offices simply don’t know much about integrative approaches, or don’t have the time to fit it in during a standard seven-minute appointment. This is often the experience that brings many patients to our clinic. There is a better way to conquer diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes
Before discussing how to manage diabetes, let's take a closer look at what diabetes is exactly. Diabetes is a disorder characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. When blood sugar rises to the point that insulin, a hormone responsible for clearing glucose from the blood, cannot keep up, it can lead to a diagnosis of diabetes. There is more to the story, however. The body tries to address this rising glucose level and proceeds to shift into overdrive, pumping insulin into the system in a last-ditch effort to keep blood glucose regulated. For a short time, it works. Eventually though, the pancreas taps out, unable to keep up with the body’s ever-increasing demand for insulin.
The Foundation of Chronic Disease
The relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease is well-understood, as diabetic risk increases injury to blood vessels, which leads to plaque formation and hardening of the arteries. What is not as well-understood is the link to other downstream conditions, such as certain breast cancers, PCOS, liver disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. And the common thread that ties all these apparently different conditions together? You guessed it, insulin resistance.
In fact, the relationship is so strong, it has prompted researchers to now refer to Alzheimer's disease as “type 3 diabetes.”
When it comes to cancer or Alzheimer's disease, there are no definitive answers, but the science is clear. If you want to stack the deck of health in your favor, control your blood sugar and insulin levels. This happens with a well-structured diet and exercise program that layers in stress management, sleep optimization and reduced exposure to environmental toxins, which studies have shown can increase insulin resistance.
Take the Next Step
Achieving your A1c goals and getting off medications is possible. How do I know? I see it every day. If you're ready to take control of your health, let our team at WellessenceMD help you identify the root cause of what is driving your high blood sugar and stack the deck of health in your favor.
