What causes Diabetes?

Introduction: Why Diabetes Needs a New Approach

Diabetes is no longer just about blood sugar. It’s a complex, chronic condition affecting over 37 million Americans—and growing. At Patients Medical in NYC, we take a different approach. By blending conventional, holistic, and functional medicine, we uncover and treat the true causes of diabetes—supporting natural reversal when possible.

We don’t just manage numbers. We help heal systems.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body can’t produce enough insulin or use it properly. This leads to elevated blood glucose levels, which can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and other organs over time.

Types of Diabetes include:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, driven by insulin resistance and often linked to diet, lifestyle, and inflammation.
  • Prediabetes: Early warning stage where blood sugar is elevated but not yet diabetic.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy, often resolving post-birth but increasing long-term risk.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Diabetes?

In functional medicine, we look beneath the surface. Here are the most common root contributors to diabetes:

  • Poor Diet: High sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods promote insulin resistance.
  • Chronic Stress: Elevates cortisol, which spikes blood glucose levels.
  • Leaky Gut: Inflammation and gut imbalance impair insulin sensitivity.
  • Toxic Burden: Heavy metals, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors impair cellular health.
  • Sleep Dysfunction: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep raises diabetes risk.
  • Hormonal Imbalance: Cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone imbalances all play a role.
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Cellular energy impairment contributes to fatigue and metabolic disease.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we utilize advanced diagnostics to get a full picture of your metabolic health:

Hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose, insulin

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

C-peptide for insulin production insight

Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Gut microbiome and leaky gut tests

Heavy metal testing

Thyroid and adrenal hormone panels

Genetic markers (MTHFR, insulin receptor variants)

Integrative Treatments for Diabetes

Nutritional Therapy

Personalized meal planning to stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support detox.

  • Mediterranean, paleo, or keto-inspired diets
  • Low-glycemic whole foods
  • Food sensitivity elimination protocols
  • Intermittent fasting regimens

IV Vitamin Therapy

Targeted nutrient infusions improve glucose metabolism and cellular function:

  • B-complex
  • Magnesium
  • Alpha-lipoic acid
  • Glutathione

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Clinically-backed natural supplements may include:

  • Berberine
  • Chromium
  • Inositol
  • Gymnema sylvestre
  • Omega-3s
    (Supplementation is tailored to your test results.)

Stress & Adrenal Support

Chronic stress fuels diabetes. We offer:

  • Adaptogenic herbs
  • Acupuncture
  • Mind-body therapies
  • Meditation & breathing exercises

Hormone Balancing

We optimize hormone levels using bioidentical therapies to support metabolism, mood, and insulin function.

Medically-Supervised Weight Loss

Safe, physician-guided programs help reverse insulin resistance and promote sustainable weight loss.

Real Case Study: Maria’s Diabetes Reversal Journey

Maria, 52, came to us with fatigue and an A1C of 7.2. She was on metformin but still struggling.

We discovered:

  • Leaky gut and gut dysbiosis
  • High cortisol
  • Mild hypothyroidism

Her personalized plan included:

  • Gut repair protocols
  • Low-glycemic anti-inflammatory diet
  • Adrenal adaptogens
  • Weekly IV therapy
  • Low-dose thyroid support

Results in 3 months:

  • A1C dropped to 5.8
  • Energy levels restored
  • Medication discontinued (with doctor’s approval)

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with personalized diet, gut healing, stress management, and targeted supplements, many patients reverse or manage it naturally.

Excess sugar plays a role, but so do inflammation, stress, toxins, poor sleep, and hormones.

Insulin resistance is a precursor; Type 2 develops when the body can no longer compensate.

Many patients see blood sugar improvements within 4–6 weeks of starting integrative care.

Not necessarily. We focus on low-glycemic, fiber-rich carbs that support stable blood sugar.

Yes. We collaborate with your current providers to integrate care safely and gradually.

While Type 1 cannot be reversed, integrative therapies can improve energy, immunity, and inflammation.

Yes—chronic cortisol elevation can increase insulin resistance and weight gain.

Minimal, when guided by trained physicians. All therapies are customized and monitored.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for possible reimbursement

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment