3 Biggest Mistakes Doctors Make In Managing Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

This week on ReInvent Healthcare, I talk about the biggest mistakes that doctors make in managing their clients who have type 2 diabetes. I also explore effective strategies that doctors can employ to actively manage and potentially reverse this condition, thus enabling their patients to embrace a life of robust health and optimal living.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Testing Inappropriately
One major mistake is inadequate testing for pre-diabetes and early signs of insulin resistance. When blood sugar levels consistently go above 90, it indicates a higher risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. However, many healthcare professionals only focus on diagnosing diabetes when A1C is at 5.7, which is an average of 119. Testing should include postprandial (after meals) glucose levels and early morning glucose readings, and individuals should be educated about using blood sugar meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to monitor their levels regularly.

Neglecting A1C Monitoring
A significant oversight is the lack of routine monitoring of A1C levels, which provide an average blood sugar level over several months. While the medical community often considers an A1C under 5.7 as normal, this overlooks the nuances. A healthier range is suggested to be between 4.8 and 5.2. By monitoring A1C levels and understanding their relation to average glucose levels, individuals at risk can take preventive measures to manage their blood sugar levels.


Overlooking Insulin Testing
Insulin is a fat storage hormone that should be tested as a part of the annual exam. Many doctors do not routinely test fasting insulin levels, which should ideally be between two and five, or even better, two and three. Elevated fasting insulin levels can contribute to health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Addressing insulin levels early can help prevent further complications.

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Ritamarie Loscalzo

Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo is a best-selling author and speaker known for her extensive knowledge, infectious energy, and inspirational message that encourages individuals to become their own best health advocate. She is an internationally recognized nutrition and health authority who specializes in using the wisdom of nature to restore hormone balance with a special emphasis on thyroid, adrenal and insulin imbalances. She founded the Institute of Nutritional Endocrinology to empower health and nutrition practitioners to get to the root cause of health concerns by using functional assessments and natural therapeutics to balance the endocrine system, the body's master controller.

Dr. Ritamarie is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic with Certification in Acupuncture and is a Diplomat of the American Clinical Nutrition Board. She is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with a Master’s in Human Nutrition, has completed a 2-year, 500-hour Herbal Medicine Program at David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies and has a master's degree in Computer Science, which contributes to her skills as an ace problem solver.