Our Medical System: A Call for Patient Empowerment
It's no secret that the modern medical system, particularly in the United States, often falls short when it comes to managing chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes. We tend to apply a "nail and hammer" approach, focusing on symptoms and often overlooking the power of complementary treatment modalities.
The Allopathic "Quick Fix"
Consider a typical doctor's appointment: a rushed 15 minutes, with perhaps eight dedicated to reviewing lab results. You're likely handed a prescription for a glucose-controlling medication and told to follow up in six months. That's often it—minimal education, no in-depth discussion about lifestyle modifications, and little encouragement for active patient participation. This model can create a passive healthcare dynamic where medical teams shoulder the entire burden, and patients are left to rely solely on prescription pills for self-care.
This isn't to say we should abandon allopathic remedies. When integrated thoughtfully, glucose-lowering medications can be incredibly effective, and in some cases, adjunct therapies may even eliminate their need. The key is active patient engagement. Taking charge of your health requires effort and discipline, but the health rewards are undeniably worth it.
Your Medical Journey: Taking an Active Role
My hope in writing this is to empower you to become an active participant in your own medical journey. Understanding how standard treatment modalities can be enhanced by lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies—and how they all interact—is crucial. It takes dedication, but the benefits to your health are profound.
TL;DR for Type 2 Diabetes / Metabolic Syndrome
If you've just had that "come to Jesus" talk with your doctor about Type 2 Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome and are short on time, here's my highest recommendation:
Get a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) if you can. Track and chart your readings for at least a month, alongside your diet.
Read Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein. This book is an invaluable resource for self-education.
Beyond Allopathy: Exploring Treatment Disciplines
Many different philosophies and disciplines exist for treating diseases, and diabetes is no exception. However, most patients find themselves solely within the Allopathic model. Let's explore some other approaches that might guide you toward beneficial therapies.
Allopathic Medicine
This is the system most people are familiar with, where medical doctors and other healthcare professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. It's also known as biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine. Allopathic medicine excels in acute care and emergency situations.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It encompasses a wide range of therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.
Naturopaths are licensed in nearly two-thirds of U.S. states and undergo a rigorous four-year medical school program, similar to allopathic MDs (e.g., Bastyr University). Some commercial insurance carriers even include naturopathic visits in their benefit packages.
Personally, I've seen tremendous benefits from paying out-of-pocket for regular naturopathic visits for over a decade. My practitioner provides extensive lab work, and we meet for an hour or more to review everything and create a comprehensive treatment plan. While allopathic medicine has its vital place, especially for acute conditions, if you're looking to optimize your long-term health and well-being, naturopathic medicine is a path I highly recommend. If you're in Southern Nevada, I've been a patient at Naturopathic Medical Specialists in Las Vegas (nmslv.com) with Dr. Alexandra Reiman, who is truly exceptional.
The Role of Nutrition
A dietitian is a professional who advises on food, nutrition, and their impact on health, including the use of nutritional supplements. However, a challenge arises when nutritionists operate within the insurance-reimbursed allopathic model: the American Diabetes Association (ADA) largely crafts the nutritional guidelines for treating diabetics.
Unfortunately, these guidelines have been slow to evolve, only beginning to recommend a low-carb diet in 2020. Nutritional counseling and menu selections in many hospitals are still slow to change and, in my opinion, often remain focused on high-carbohydrate diets. Therefore, as a patient, it's crucial to be mindful of the counseling you receive. Again, I strongly encourage you to read Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution as your primary source of education.
