Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate sugar (glucose). Long term, this results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. There are primarily two concerns: the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the cells respond poorly to sugar and take in less sugar. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, numbing/tingling on 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 deficiencies that included omega fatty acids, vitamin D, and low functional levels of vitamin B, which increased homocysteine. Deficiencies may be linked to a lack of dietary intake or lack of absorption in the gastrointestinal system. Low omegas can lead to higher levels of inflammation, as can low vitamin D, and lead to symptoms such as fatigue. 

Steven's labs showed diabetes (HbA1C), normal cholesterol with medication, high inflammation (GlycA, C4a, Ferritin), and other high metabolic numbers such as high glucose and insulin. Although the patient was on medication to control his metabolic syndrome, labs showed plenty of room for improvement. 

Hormonally, testosterone was low, but the thyroid looked well within normal limits. 

Interventions

Dietary-wise, the patient was put on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. He was recommended to decrease overall carbohydrate and sugar consumption and reduce alcohol intake by 80%. 

Supplements were targeted to support high inflammatory/sugar and nutritional levels. The patient started taking a B complex (OrthoMolecular), omega fatty acids (2g), magnesium (500 mg), and vitamin D (5,000 IU) daily to increase the decreased nutritional levels. 

The patient started to take a supplement called “The Extinguisher” to reduce inflammation 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 reduce glucose levels. 

The patient was given liver support (milk thistle, NAC, dandelion, artichoke) for healthy cholesterol, sugar levels as well as to support weight loss. 

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. Things that may lead to it include a poor diet, lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, genetics, etc. Though it's considered “irreversible" by some healthcare providers, it can be truly reversed with hard work. Steven was able to reduce his overall inflammation and 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, getting off medications is possible.