Archive for Diabetes

Poor Sleep Linked to Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes

A study published in the April 2011 issue of Science Translational Medicine concluded that poor sleep patterns lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  Shift workers and pilots are among the most likely to suffer from these conditions, due to constant disturbances to the sleep/wake cycle.

The study observed 21 men and women, ages 20 to 60 for six weeks in a dimly lit room with no windows.  Over the course of the study, researchers varied the amount of sleep the subjects achieved each night. Upon conclusion of the study, researchers observed decreased metabolism – as high as 8 percent – and blood glucose spikes following meals, each time the circadian rhythm of the subjects was disturbed. A situation like this can translate to as much as 10 pounds of weight gain per years – and shift workers don’t have much hope of achieving a regular schedule.

The effects of poor sleep compound to affect multiple aspects of your health.  If you do not sleep well, you tend to make poor food choices, eat more and feel too tired to exercise. Sleep is an integral part of achieving optimum health.

Diabetes and hormones

We see many patients in the office for bioidentical hormone therapy that at the same time have some sort of glucose or sugar metabolism disorder. Many patients have been to their primary care doctor and are simply told to diet and exercise when they find out their blood sugar is elevated We tend to have a much more comprehensive approach at Bodylogicmd of Atlanta.

In addition to hormone balance, we focus a great deal on nutrition and proper food choices. We discuss at length the proper protein, fat and carb intakes necessary to maintain proper levels. We also discuss proper supplementation and medical foods that have been shown to appropriately lower one’s glucose.

Of course , we design an exercise protocol specific to each individual’s capabilities and needs .

We now also have the capability thru a test called Pre-dx to determine one’s 5 year risk of becoming a diabetic. This is a new test available to our patients and really helps us focus on those in need of more urgent treatment plans.

Of course , none is this works optimally , if we do not balance hormones as well. Many studies show the positive effects that testosterone has on blood sugar levels . Just as many show the ill effect that high insulin and cortisol can have on glucose. Our goal will be to balance all of them

How can bioidentical hormones help diabetes?

I saw a patient today that recently saw their primary care doctor for a diabetes check up. He is on medication for diabetes,hypertension and hyperlipidemia and came to see me with complaints of fatigue and an inability to lose weight despite what he thought was proper diet and exercise.

After evaluation of his blood work and saliva testing, it was determined that he had a significantly low testosterone which was never evaluated in the past. We discussed how properly improving his testosterone could in turn, lower body fat, improve muscle mass and lower his blood sugar.

We placed him on a proper nutrition plan, exercise protocol, supplement plan, and started him on injectable testosterone. Our goal will be to decrease or eliminate his prescription drugs and improve his overall cardiometabolic status.

The information provided on this blog is for reference use only, and does not constitute the rendering of legal, financial or other professional advice or recommendations by the BodyLogicMD affiliated physician. This page is not for the use of diagnosing and/or treating medical issues.