Taking a functional medicine approach to diabetes type 1 involves addressing the underlying factors contributing to the condition and optimizing overall health and well-being. Here are key components of a functional medicine approach to diabetes.

‍

Functional Medicine Approach to Diabetes.

Functional Medicine Approach.

Recommendation.

Comprehensive Assessment.

Evaluation of: Medical History, Lifestyle factors, Environmental exposures, 

Personalized Nutrition.

While foods diet, Nutrient dense foods, Minimize inflammatory goods

Blood Sugar Monitoring.

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

Gut Health Optimization.

Address gut imbalances, dysbiosis, and intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

Nutritional Supplements.

Vitamin D, Magnesium, Alpha-lipoic acid, and Omega-3 fatty acids

Botanical therapy.

Examples: Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Bitter melon, or Berberine.

Lifestyle Interventions.

Physical activity, Stress management techniques, Adequate sleep, Smoking cessation
  1. Comprehensive assessment: Conducting a thorough evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and gut health to identify the root causes of insulin dependence and autoimmune dysfunction.
  2. Personalized nutrition: Emphasizing a whole foods-based diet tailored to individual needs, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, balanced macronutrients, and minimizing inflammatory foods that may exacerbate autoimmune responses. This may involve carbohydrate counting, glycemic index considerations, and monitoring blood sugar responses to different foods.
  3. Blood sugar monitoring: Implementing regular blood glucose monitoring to track patterns, identify trends, and adjust treatment strategies accordingly. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems may be utilized to provide real-time data and inform management decisions.
  4. Gut health optimization: Addressing gut imbalances, dysbiosis, and intestinal permeability (leaky gut) that may contribute to inflammation associated with insulin dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes). This may involve probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modifications, and strategies to support gut barrier function.
  5. Nutritional supplements: Supplementing with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support metabolic health, immune function, and nerve function. Examples include vitamin D, magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  6. Botanical therapies: Exploring the use of botanicals with potential blood sugar-stabilizing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects, such as cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon, or berberine.
  7. Lifestyle interventions: Encouraging regular physical activity, stress management techniques (such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation), adequate sleep, and smoking cessation to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic function.

Am I a Candidate?

By taking a functional medicine approach to diabetes, our experienced providers will optimize metabolic function, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health and well-being.