What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Introduction: Why Diabetes Needs a New Approach

Type 2 Diabetes has become one of the most widespread chronic illnesses in the United States—impacting over 90% of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes. While conventional medicine focuses primarily on blood sugar and medications, at Patients Medical in NYC, we take a different path.

Our integrative approach blends functional, holistic, and conventional medicine to uncover why your blood sugar is out of balance and how we can help your body heal naturally. We don’t just manage diabetes—we work to reverse it wherever possible.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition where the body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Without proper insulin function, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to long-term damage to organs, blood vessels, nerves, and more.

Unlike Type 1, Type 2 develops gradually—often over years—and is largely influenced by lifestyle, inflammation, and environment.

Related Forms of Diabetes Include:
  • Prediabetes: Blood sugar is elevated but not high enough for a Type 2 diagnosis.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and increases future risk.
  • Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): A slow-progressing form of autoimmune diabetes, often misdiagnosed as Type 2.

 

Common Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Many individuals with Type 2 go years without realizing it. Watch for:

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend early testing and a full functional evaluation.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes doesn’t just “happen”—it is the result of metabolic imbalances and systemic stressors. Our functional medicine approach explores the deeper reasons behind insulin resistance, including:

  • Nutritional imbalance: Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs
  • Chronic stress: Elevated cortisol disrupts insulin sensitivity
  • Leaky gut and gut dysbiosis: Trigger systemic inflammation
  • Environmental toxins: Pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors
  • Sleep dysfunction: Poor or irregular sleep increases insulin resistance
  • Hormonal imbalance: Issues with thyroid, estrogen, or cortisol
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction: Weakens energy metabolism and glucose handling

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we don’t guess—we test. Our advanced diagnostics go beyond routine labs to uncover the full metabolic and inflammatory picture.

Hemoglobin A1C, fasting insulin, and glucose

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

C-peptide to assess insulin production

Inflammatory markers: CRP, homocysteine

Gut health testing (stool microbiome, leaky gut panels)

Hormone panels (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones)

Nutritional deficiencies (magnesium, D, B-complex)

Genetic markers (MTHFR, insulin receptor genes)

Integrative Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Nutritional Therapy

We develop an anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic nutrition plan tailored to your needs.
May include:

  • Mediterranean or low-carb/keto-inspired diets
  • Intermittent fasting protocols
  • Food sensitivity elimination
  • Blood sugar-stabilizing meal plans

IV Therapy & Nutraceuticals

Nutrient deficiencies are common in Type 2 Diabetes. Our customized IV drips may include:

  • B-complex vitamins
  • Magnesium
  • Glutathione
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
  • Vitamin D and trace minerals

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Science-backed supplements to support insulin function:

  • Berberine – improves insulin sensitivity
  • Chromium – supports glucose metabolism
  • Gymnema sylvestre – reduces sugar cravings
  • Magnesium and inositol – enhance cellular function(Always physician-supervised and lab-guided)

Stress Reduction Techniques

Cortisol imbalance can sabotage blood sugar. We offer:

  • Acupuncture
  • Adaptogenic herbs
  • Meditation and guided stress-reduction

 

Hormone & Thyroid Optimization

Low thyroid, estrogen dominance, or adrenal dysfunction may worsen blood sugar control. We use bioidentical hormones and natural support to restore equilibrium.

Weight Management

Reversing insulin resistance often begins with healthy fat loss.
We offer:

  • Medically supervised programs
  • Detox and anti-inflammatory plans
  • Metabolic coaching

Real Case Study: Maria’s Journey to Reversal

Maria, age 52, came to Patients Medical exhausted, frustrated, and stuck at an A1C of 7.2 despite metformin and dietary changes. She was gaining weight and losing hope.

Our diagnostics revealed:

  • Leaky gut and food sensitivities
  • High cortisol
  • Mild hypothyroidism
  • Nutrient deficiencies

We implemented:

  • A gut repair and anti-inflammatory protocol
  • Personalized meal plan
  • Weekly IV therapy
  • Targeted adrenal and thyroid support

Result: In just 12 weeks, Maria’s A1C dropped to 5.8, her energy rebounded, and she successfully tapered off her medications—with her specialist’s approval.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes—many patients experience reversal through diet, lifestyle, gut healing, and hormone balancing.

 Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate medication with physician guidance and proper support.

 Most patients notice energy, blood sugar, and weight improvements within 4–8 weeks.

 Yes. We work in collaboration with your primary doctor or endocrinologist.

 We are an out-of-network provider but provide superbills. Some lab tests may be reimbursed.

 Yes—our integrative approach addresses multiple overlapping conditions.

 We treat the whole body—not just the pancreas. We focus on root causes and restoration, not just symptom management.

 Absolutely. Catching blood sugar imbalances early gives you the best chance at full reversal.

 We offer comprehensive testing beyond basic blood work—focusing on inflammation, gut health, toxins, and hormones.

 Yes. We offer telemedicine visits and ship tests and supplements to your home.

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

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