How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Introduction: Why Diabetes Needs a New Approach

Over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes, and many don’t even know it. At Patients Medical in New York City, we look beyond blood sugar readings. Our integrative approach blends conventional diagnostics with functional and holistic testing to reveal why your glucose is out of balance—and how to restore it naturally. It’s not just about managing diabetes; it’s about reversing the root cause whenever possible.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or fails to respond properly to insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels rise, potentially damaging organs, blood vessels, nerves, and other vital systems over time.

Types of Diabetes:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often caused by insulin resistance, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors.
  • Prediabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels that aren’t high enough for a diabetes diagnosis but indicate a higher risk for developing Type 2.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Many individuals live with diabetes for years without realizing it. Here are some common warning signs to watch for:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek immediate testing and evaluation.

Functional Causes of Diabetes: What’s Really Driving It?

At Patients Medical, we believe diabetes is a symptom of deeper dysfunction. Common root causes include:

  • Diet high in sugar, refined carbs, and processed food
  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
  • Gut permeability (“leaky gut”)
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals)
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, cortisol, estrogen/testosterone)

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

We use both standard and advanced diagnostics to create a full metabolic picture.

Conventional Tests: Fasting Blood Glucose – Initial screening
Hemoglobin A1C – A 3-month average of blood sugar levels
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Measures sugar response over time
Fasting Insulin – Detects insulin resistance early

Functional & Integrative Testing: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) – 24/7 sugar trends C-Peptide – Assesses insulin production Inflammatory Markers – CRP, homocysteine Comprehensive Gut Testing – Microbiome, leaky gut, pathogens Heavy Metal and Toxin Screenin Hormone Panels – Cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones Genetic Testing – MTHFR, insulin resistance SNPs

Integrative Treatments for Diabetes

Nutritional Therapy

  • Mediterranean or keto-inspired diets
  • Intermittent fasting protocols
  • Nutrient-dense meal planning
  • Elimination diets to uncover food sensitivities

IV Therapy & Nutraceuticals

Our custom IV treatments include B vitamins, magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid, and glutathione to support glucose metabolism and detoxification.

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Berberine
  • Chromium
  • Magnesium
  • Gymnema Sylvestre
  • Inositol

Stress Reduction Techniques

We integrate relaxation practices such as meditation, acupuncture, and adaptogenic herbs to balance stress hormones and promote adrenal health.

Hormone Balancing

Our bioidentical hormone treatments and thyroid optimization support better blood sugar regulation and overall wellness.

Weight Management

Medically supervised weight loss programs to improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy metabolism.

Real Case Study: Maria’s Journey to Reversal

Maria, age 52, came to us with an A1C of 7.2, battling extreme fatigue. She was on metformin but still felt unwell. Through testing, we identified elevated cortisol, leaky gut, and borderline hypothyroidism.

With a customized 3-month integrative plan, including:

  • Gut Repair Protocol
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet
  • Adrenal Support Herbs
  • Low-dose Thyroid Therapy
  • Weekly Nutrient IVs

After 3 months, Maria’s A1C dropped to 5.8, her energy levels returned, and she was off all medications—under the support of her endocrinologist.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes. Many people are asymptomatic in early stages. Testing is key.

 A1C reflects long-term trends; fasting glucose gives a daily snapshot. We use both.

 It detects insulin resistance before blood sugar goes out of range.

 Yes—especially if you want to reverse the condition or understand underlying causes.

Yes. CGM offers continuous insights into your blood sugar response to food, sleep, and stress.

Many patients successfully manage their diabetes naturally with lifestyle changes, but it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you.

We use advanced diagnostic tests such as Hemoglobin A1C, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), hormone panels, and gut health tests to understand the root causes of your condition.

While we are an out-of-network provider, we provide superbills to help with reimbursement, and certain lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root causes, such as poor diet, chronic stress, hormone imbalances, and gut dysfunction, rather than just managing symptoms.

  1. Yes! We design personalized anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic meal plans tailored to your metabolic needs, with an emphasis on nutrient-dense foods and customized dietary protocols like intermittent fasting.

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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