Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin action (insulin resistance) and often a relative deficiency in insulin secretion. This results in chronic hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) and can lead to a cascade of health complications if left unmanaged. T2DM is the most prevalent form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of all diagnosed diabetes cases worldwide.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here’s a closer look at some of the key contributors:

1. Insulin Resistance: In T2DM, the body’s cells become progressively less responsive to the effects of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. This impaired insulin action hinders the ability of cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream for energy, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
2. Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in T2DM development. If a close relative has T2DM, an individual has a higher genetic susceptibility. Genes can influence insulin secretion, insulin action, and other factors involved in blood sugar regulation.
3. Obesity and Adiposity: Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat located around the abdomen, is a major risk factor for T2DM. Adipose tissue can impair insulin signaling pathways, contributing to insulin resistance. Weight management is crucial for T2DM prevention and management.
4. Physical Inactivity: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity by promoting cellular glucose uptake. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of T2DM.
5. Age: The risk of developing T2DM increases with age, particularly after 45 years old. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including declining insulin production, decreasing muscle mass, and potential changes in body composition.
6. Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups have a higher genetic predisposition to T2DM. Risk factors may also be influenced by socioeconomic determinants of health and access to healthy lifestyle choices.
7. Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats can significantly contribute to T2DM risk. These dietary choices can promote insulin resistance and inflammation, both of which can worsen blood sugar control.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst and hunger: You may feel much thirstier than usual and hungrier even after eating. This is called polydipsia and polyphagia.
• Frequent urination: You may need to urinate more often, especially at night. This is called polyuria.
• Fatigue: You may feel tired and sluggish because your body can’t use glucose effectively for energy.
• Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause your eye lenses to swell, leading to blurred vision.
• Slow-healing sores and frequent infections: Diabetes can impair circulation and weaken your immune system, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing your risk of infections.

 

Diagnosis

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This test measures your blood sugar level after not eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least 8 hours. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests suggests diabetes.
• A1C Test: This simple blood test reflects your average blood sugar control over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This test involves drinking a sugary drink and then measuring your blood sugar levels at specific intervals, usually after 1 and 2 hours. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after the drink suggests diabetes.

 

Taking Control of Type 2 Diabetes

There are two main ways to manage type 2 diabetes: healthy lifestyle changes and medication. Both work together to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

1. Healthy Habits Make a Big Difference

• Eat Well: Focus on a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean protein sources like fish and chicken, plenty of vegetables, and some fruits. Limit sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
• Move Your Body: Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week.

2. Medication May Be Needed

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your blood sugar. Some common types include:

• Metformin: This is often the first medication used. It helps your body use insulin more effectively and reduces sugar production in the liver.
• Other Options: Depending on your needs, other medications may be used. Some help your pancreas release more insulin, while others help your kidneys remove excess sugar from your body.

3. Keeping Track: Blood Sugar Monitoring

Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly is essential. This allows you and your doctor to see how well your treatment plan is working and make adjustments if needed.

4. Learning About Diabetes

Diabetes education can empower you to manage your condition effectively. Talk to your doctor about resources or programs available to help you learn more about diabetes, healthy eating, and exercise.

Why Managing Diabetes Matters

While type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, good management can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. Here’s how uncontrolled blood sugar can affect your body:

• Heart Trouble: Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage nerves, especially in your legs, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
• Kidney Disease (Nephropathy): Over time, diabetes can damage your kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
• Vision Loss (Retinopathy): Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, increasing the risk of blindness.
• Foot Issues: Poor circulation caused by diabetes can lead to infections, slow healing wounds, and even amputation in severe cases.

By keeping your blood sugar under control, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these complications and live a long and healthy life with type 2 diabetes.

Taking Steps to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Here are some key strategies:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocados. Plant-based foods are naturally lower in calories and fat, and they provide essential nutrients.
• Move Your Body Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This could include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing. Even small bursts of activity throughout the day can be beneficial.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight goal for you.
• Get Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. They can monitor your blood sugar levels and identify any potential problems early on.

While type 2 diabetes is chronic, a combination of conventional medicine (diet, exercise, medication) and functional medicine (identifying root causes through personalized plans) can effectively manage it for a long, healthy life. Early detection is crucial to prevent complications.

 

Tailored Diabetes Management: Food and Supplements

1. Personalized Food Plans: We focus on whole, unprocessed foods that fit your unique needs. Here are some key approaches:

• Low Glycemic Load: Prioritize foods with minimal impact on blood sugar, like non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
• Anti-Inflammatory Focus: Include foods rich in:
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseeds)
  • Antioxidants (berries, dark leafy greens)
  • Polyphenols (green tea, turmeric)

2. Targeted Supplements: Address specific deficiencies and support healthy metabolism:

• Chromium: May enhance insulin sensitivity.
• Magnesium: Often low in diabetics, it can improve insulin function.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: An antioxidant that may reduce oxidative stress and improve glucose metabolism.
• Berberine: A plant compound that can help regulate blood sugar.
• Vitamin D: Adequate levels are vital for overall health and may improve insulin sensitivity.

Taking Charge: Managing Diabetes Through Lifestyle

1. Tame the Stress Monster: Did you know chronic stress can worsen insulin resistance? Here’s how to fight back:

• Mind-Body Practices: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can significantly reduce stress.
• Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial. When sleep suffers, blood sugar control can falter.

2. Move Your Body, Manage Your Diabetes: Regular exercise is a powerful tool for improving insulin sensitivity.

• Mix it Up: Combine aerobic activity (think brisk walking, swimming) with resistance training (weights, bodyweight exercises) to build muscle mass, which helps your body utilize glucose better.
• Find Your Rhythm: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Consistency is key!

 

Gut Health: Your Secret Weapon for Diabetes Management

Did you know a healthy gut can support better blood sugar control? Here’s how:

1. Feed the Good Guys:

• Probiotic Power: Consider supplements containing specific strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
• Prebiotic Feast: Incorporate prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and chicory root to nourish your gut’s beneficial bacteria.

2. Restoring Balance: Sometimes, gut bacteria get out of whack, impacting insulin sensitivity and inflammation.

• Functional Stool Analysis: This test can identify imbalances and guide treatment plans.

 

Don’t Let Hormones Hold You Back: Optimizing for Diabetes Management

Hormonal imbalances can disrupt blood sugar control. Here’s how to keep things in check:

1. Supporting Your Adrenals: Chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction can wreak havoc on blood sugar regulation.

• Adaptogens: Explore herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil, which may help balance adrenal function.
• Functional Hormone Testing: This test can identify imbalances in cortisol and other hormones.

2. Thyroid Powerhouse: Optimal thyroid function is crucial. Hypothyroidism can impact metabolism and blood sugar control. Consult your doctor to ensure your thyroid is functioning properly.

 

Clear the Way: Minimizing Toxins for Better Blood Sugar Control

Environmental toxins can disrupt insulin signaling, making it harder to manage blood sugar. Here’s a two-pronged approach:

1. Limit Toxin Exposure:

• Clean Eating Focus: Prioritize organic foods whenever possible to minimize pesticide intake.

2. Support Your Body’s Natural Detoxification:

• Detoxification Boost: Consider incorporating nutrients and herbs like milk thistle, glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine, which may support your liver’s natural detoxification pathways.

 

Taking Charge of Your Diabetes: A Personalized Approach

Functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach to managing type 2 diabetes, focusing on the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Unveiling the Root Cause:

• Functional Lab Testing: Through a wider range of tests, we can identify underlying issues like nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, inflammation markers, and gut health problems that contribute to your diabetes.

2. A Plan Just for You:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on your test results and health history, we create a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplements.

Functional medicine works best when combined with conventional medicine. We encourage you to collaborate with your healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to managing your diabetes.

By addressing the underlying causes and creating a personalized plan, functional medicine aims to improve your overall health and optimize blood sugar control for the long term.

Contact us to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes and what you can do by calling Bergen Total Health at (201) 569-0500, or at info@bergentotalhealth.com.  We are located at 135 County Rd Creskill NJ, 07626, and offer Functional Medicine, Hormone Optimization, and IV Therapy Services right here in Bergen County, NJ.