Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate sugar (glucose) effectively. Over time, this can result in elevated levels of sugar in the blood. There are primarily two concerns: the pancreas may not produce enough insulin, or the cells may respond poorly to sugar and take in less sugar. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, numbing/tingling in hands/feet, frequent infections, and slow-healing wounds.
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CC: Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension
Steven was a 54-year-old male who was referred to this office by his wife. He was overweight, was taking multiple medications, and wanted to take a deep dive into his health with a detailed laboratory analysis. He was taking a statin drug for high cholesterol and was on blood pressure medication. His blood pressure typically ran high at 140/90 mm/Hg, even with medication. Steven's goal was to lose weight. His energy was good, despite being on the road for 500 miles a week and being busy with work. His diet was standard. He would often stop for sandwiches/subs and would get takeout depending on where his travels took him. Alcohol intake was high, as it was his form of relaxation. Stress levels were moderate-high, but he was used to it, meaning he felt that he handled stress very well.
Initial Lab Work
NMR LipoProfile Panel Done While On Statins
Lab Analysis
Steven's blood work showed a clear metabolic syndrome picture, even while on medication.
Labs showed nutrient levels that were not optimal, including omega fatty acids, vitamin D, and low functional levels of vitamin B, which increased homocysteine. These levels may be linked to a lack of dietary intake or absorption in the gastrointestinal system. Low omegas can be associated with higher levels of inflammation, as can low vitamin D, and may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue.
Steven's labs showed diabetes (HbA1C), normal cholesterol with medication, high markers of inflammation (GlycA, C4a, Ferritin), and other high metabolic numbers such as high glucose and insulin. Although the patient was on medication to manage his metabolic syndrome, labs showed room for improvement.
Hormonally, testosterone was low, but the thyroid was within normal limits.
Interventions
Dietary-wise, the patient was encouraged to follow a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. He was advised to consider decreasing overall carbohydrate and sugar consumption and to reduce alcohol intake by 80%.
Supplements were suggested to support healthy inflammatory and sugar levels, as well as nutritional balance. The patient started taking a B complex (OrthoMolecular), omega fatty acids (2g), magnesium (500 mg), and vitamin D (5,000 IU) daily to support nutritional levels.
The patient started to take a supplement called “The Extinguisher” to support healthy inflammation levels, which contains quercetin, Curcuma longa, perilla, and resveratrol. For glucose support, the patient started a powder called Glycemacore (OrthoMolecular), which contains a nutritional mixture of high fiber-containing superfoods and sensitol (a mixture of various inositols) to help support healthy glucose levels.
The patient was given liver support (milk thistle, NAC, dandelion, artichoke) to support healthy cholesterol and sugar levels, as well as to support weight management.
Follow-Up 6 Months Later:
NMR LipoProfile Panel Done While Off Statins
At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was feeling really good. He had lost 25 pounds. With the permission of his cardiologist, he was officially off of his blood pressure medication and statin. The last reading in the office was 112/72 mm/Hg (no meds). He was doing really well with dietary changes. The biggest struggle was decreasing alcohol consumption. He had decreased alcohol consumption and was able to make the switch to liquors versus beers. His energy was great, and his wife even said he no longer snored!
The patient's labs were trending in the right direction but still had room for improvement with the HbA1c, glucose, and insulin. He was, though, out of the "diabetes" range and now only in the "prediabetes" range. Not only was the patient off of his medications, but his inflammatory labs improved as well. This includes GlycA and Ferritin. Although C4a was still elevated, it did decrease by 9,000 ng/ml, indicating his immune system was less "troubled."
At this time, the patient was taken off of "The Extinguisher." He was given some mitochondrial support (ATP 360 from Researched Nutritionals) and PPC powder. This was done to support the metabolic syndrome further. He will follow up again in 6 months with updated labs.
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Summary
T2D is on the rise for both adults and children. Factors that may contribute to it include a poor diet, lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, genetics, etc. Though it's considered “irreversible" by some healthcare providers, significant lifestyle changes can have a positive impact. Steven was able to support his overall health and manage his HbA1c with diet and supplements. Although exercise would make a huge difference, he, unfortunately, struggled with finding the time. This case shows that by making lifestyle changes, reducing reliance on medications is possible.
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