Type 2 diabetes is a significant health concern in the US and around the world. Over 400 million people worldwide are affected by this condition. It's the seventh leading cause of death in the US, with costs reaching up to $327 billion in 2017. These statistics may seem overwhelming, but this lifestyle condition can be managed with comprehensive care that takes an individualized approach.
Functional medicine labs can offer valuable insights that may guide customized health plans for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk. This article will discuss the top labs regularly used by practitioners that can help create individualized health plans to address this fast-growing condition effectively.
[signup]
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition characterized by increased blood sugar levels due to inadequate use or poor insulin production. Insulin is a vital hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, cells may become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas might not produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels effectively. It's called non-insulin-dependent diabetes because the body can still make and use insulin, though it may not be as effective.
Lifestyle factors play a major role in this condition. Certain factors can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, such as being over 45 years old, having prediabetes, a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy, a family history of diabetes, being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity, and having other conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or depression. Additionally, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides, as well as the presence of acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition, can also increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Why is it Important to Run Functional Medicine Labs Bi-Annually on Your Type 2 Diabetes Patients?
Running functional labs bi-annually for patients with type 2 diabetes is important because this condition is considered a lifestyle condition and may be influenced by lifestyle changes. Regular testing can help identify individuals at risk of developing this chronic condition. Testing can also monitor the progress and effectiveness of health plans so that adjustments can be made as needed.
Functional labs provide a comprehensive approach by assessing underlying factors that may contribute to this condition, which can be helpful for practitioners in designing personalized health plans. These labs can identify specific needs of each individual, such as dietary habits.
Although there are risk factors, having these doesn't necessarily mean an individual will develop this condition. However, knowing these factors is vital because they can be modified, allowing for lifestyle changes that may reduce risk or support progress with type 2 diabetes.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
There are several factors that contribute to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors have a significant impact, but genetic and environmental factors also play a role. Primary factors for developing this condition include being obese or overweight, which can lead to insulin resistance. A sedentary lifestyle with limited exercise can also contribute to insulin resistance. Dietary factors, such as consuming a diet high in unhealthy foods and sugars and being deficient in specific nutrients, can also contribute to developing type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, disruptions in the gut microbiome, exposure to toxins like BPA and pesticides, and disturbances in the body's internal 24-hour clock, known as the circadian rhythm, can trigger irregular sleep patterns, all associated with this condition. Other factors involve genetic predispositions, such as a family history of diabetes, being over 45 years old, experiencing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and having prediabetes. It's essential to be aware of these contributing factors so individuals can take steps to manage them. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) provides a picture of blood sugar regulation, measuring the average amount of glucose in the bloodstream over three months.
Top Functional Medicine Labs to Run Bi-Annually on Your Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Lifestyle, medical history, and environmental exposures should be thoroughly explored to determine which physical and functional laboratory tests are needed to identify the underlying factors of an individual’s type 2 diabetes. Here are the top labs to consider to help manage type 2 diabetes:
Blood Sugar Screening
Markers, like glucose, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are valuable for assessing and monitoring type 2 diabetes. Fasting glucose measures blood glucose at the time of the test, but it's best used together with other lab tests to account for variations over time. If elevated, further testing may be necessary. Fasting insulin helps assess insulin production, and high levels may suggest insulin resistance. HbA1c shows the average glucose levels for the past three months, making this a vital indicator of long-term glycemic control. This comprehensive diabetes screen can help practitioners assess diabetes risk and monitor health plan progress so necessary adjustments can be made.
Circadian Rhythm Assessment
Cortisol and melatonin are hormones released in daily cycles that help regulate circadian rhythm. In a healthy individual, cortisol levels increase in the morning, signaling the body to wake up, while melatonin is produced at night, promoting deep rest during sleep. The DUTCH Plus™ test assesses the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and melatonin levels, providing an in-depth look into the function of an individual’s circadian cycle. This test is completed through a saliva and urine sample and may be helpful for people who experience sleep disturbances and are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Retesting can help monitor if these levels are getting rebalanced and if health plans are effective.
GI-MAP
The GI-MAP is a comprehensive test that measures different types of microorganisms in the gut through a stool sample. It can detect imbalances in the gut microbiota, harmful microbes, and markers related to digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function. It also provides specific markers related to blood sugar, like Akkermansia muciniphila, associated with obesity and metabolic issues. It also looks at Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and abnormal results in either suggest an imbalance in the gut's normal microbes. A high F/B ratio indicates a microbial imbalance linked to disrupted insulin regulation and other metabolism issues. The GI-MAP helps practitioners design personalized health plans by identifying the overgrowth of pathogens and optimizing gut function by targeting specific areas based on the results. Retesting allows monitoring of progress, showing if dysbiosis has improved.
Micronutrient Panel
Evaluating micronutrients helps identify deficiencies or insufficiencies. The comprehensive Micronutrients Test assesses certain nutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies, like inositol, Vitamin D, zinc, chromium, and magnesium, which may be linked to type 2 diabetes. Results can help to target health plans with specific supplements and nutritional plans to support improvements in metabolic health. Retesting these levels bi-annually can evaluate the absorption of these nutrients and the effectiveness of the health plans, allowing for adjustments if necessary.
[signup]
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is a fast-growing health issue. It is considered to be a global pandemic and one of the primary challenges to human health in the 21st century, per the Diabetes Journal. Insulin resistance, which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, involves a genetic component. Still, lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, significantly impact the development of type 2 diabetes. This is where functional medicine testing can help. It can uncover these factors to help create a personalized health plan, including specific diet and supplement considerations.
%201.svg){kind=logo}
