Diabetes Doctors in Chicago

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Diabetes treatment

Recommended health tests for Diabetes

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Gut microbiome test

$ 725

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

PFAS chemical test

$ 375

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Oxidative stress test

$ 725

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Women's health test

$ 300

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Metabolism Test

$ 175

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Vitamin D test

$ 250

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Thyroid test

$ 225

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Cholesterol and lipids test

$ 175

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

hbA1c test

$ 175

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Perimenopause test

$ 200

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Wheat sensitivity test

$ 375

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Men's health test

$ 225

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Diabetes test

$ 200

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Magnesium test

$ 150

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

Liver function test

$ 175

At-Home Lab Test

Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device

ENA test

$ 300

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How it works
how-it-works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

how-it-works

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

how-it-works

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. There are primarily two types of diabetes: type 1, where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells, and type 2, which is more common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough. Managing diabetes involves monitoring blood sugar levels, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and using medication or insulin therapy as prescribed.

Causes

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it's believed to be an autoimmune response where the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Type 2 diabetes is largely caused by lifestyle factors and genetics. Being overweight, physically inactive, and having a family history of diabetes increases the risk. Insulin resistance, where cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin well, is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and a history of gestational diabetes.

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Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds. Individuals may also experience unexplained weight loss (more common in type 1 diabetes). In type 2 diabetes, symptoms often develop gradually and can be so mild that they go unnoticed for a long time. High blood glucose levels can cause symptoms like yeast infections and darkening of the skin in certain areas of the body, known as acanthosis nigricans. It's important to recognize these symptoms early as untreated diabetes can lead to more severe health complications.

Diagnosing Diabetes

Diagnosing diabetes involves a series of blood tests. The most common are the fasting plasma glucose test, which measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast, and the a1c test, which provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An oral glucose tolerance test, where blood sugar levels are tested before and after consuming a sweet drink, is also used especially for gestational diabetes. For a diagnosis of diabetes, these tests should be repeated on a different day to confirm the results. Early detection through screening is crucial for managing and treating diabetes effectively.

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Prevention and natural treatment

Preventing type 2 diabetes involves adopting a healthier lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use. Diabetes management requires keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible to avoid complications. Treatment for diabetes typically involves lifestyle adjustments, monitoring blood sugar levels, and may also include medication or insulin therapy. Education on managing diabetes is crucial; this may include nutritional advice, exercise, and understanding how to monitor blood sugar levels. In some cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Ongoing medical care and regular check-ups are essential to manage the condition effectively.

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