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If you've been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. But don't worry, you're not alone. In fact, more than 50% of US adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. In this blog post, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson provides a list of the top 10 things you need to know when you're newly diagnosed.

First, it's important to understand what type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are. Essentially, these conditions occur when your body is no longer using insulin properly, often due to chronically high blood sugar levels. The good news is that these conditions can be reversible in many cases, and there are specific nutrition methods that can help lower your insulin needs.

It's never too early to take action and start managing your condition. The earlier you start, the easier the process will be, and the less damage you'll have to fight against. Your food choices and lifestyle habits play a crucial role in managing and reversing your diabetes. It's important to choose foods that have a positive impact on your blood sugar levels and to incorporate exercise into your routine to improve insulin sensitivity. Seeking ongoing support from a healthcare professional who specializes in holistic approaches can also be beneficial. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and with the right support and knowledge, you can take control of your health.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the little-known effects of blood sugar dysregulation and offers advice on how to manage it. Blood sugar dysregulation occurs when blood sugar levels fluctuate or remain chronically elevated, and it can be caused by factors such as stress, certain medications, and an unhealthy diet. While many people associate blood sugar imbalance with diabetes, studies have shown that 88% of adults have metabolic dysfunction, which includes blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance.

The effects of blood sugar dysregulation can extend beyond diabetes and include fatigue, anxiety, depression, chronic inflammation, sugar cravings, increased appetite, headaches, imbalanced gut, joint pain, poor memory, weight gain, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, and hormone imbalances. To determine if you have blood sugar dysregulation, Nicholson suggests blood testing or using a continuous glucose monitor, which can provide insight into how your body responds to certain foods and activities.

To manage blood sugar dysregulation, Nicholson recommends eating a quality diet that prioritizes protein and healthy fats, managing stress and prioritizing sleep, and incorporating daily physical activity. By making mindful choices about carbohydrate intake, stress management, sleep habits, and exercise, it is possible to reverse blood sugar imbalances and achieve optimal health. Nicholson also emphasizes the benefits of working with a coach or nutritionist who can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights the misleading nature of symptoms when it comes to our health. Symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, weight gain, and digestive problems, may not always indicate the true root cause of the issue. Focusing solely on treating the symptoms without addressing the underlying imbalance can lead to temporary relief or even make the problem worse in the long run. Nicholson emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to health, considering all aspects of an individual's life and working with a holistic health practitioner to explore options beyond traditional medicine for lasting relief.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the limitations of health insurance when it comes to holistic healthcare. Andrea explains that insurance companies are primarily focused on making money and paying out as little as possible, rather than prioritizing the overall health of individuals. She points out that while conventional healthcare excels in critical care and acute illness, it falls short in preventing and managing chronic diseases.

Nicholson argues that individuals should take more responsibility for their own health, and that healthcare should focus on a holistic approach that considers mind, body, and spirit through lifestyle and nutrition. However, insurance policies typically only cover treatments after a crisis or illness has already occurred, rather than preventative and maintenance care. Nicholson discusses the benefits of holistic care and the importance of being proactive in maintaining health.

While holistic care can be expensive, Nicholson suggests that strategically spending money on functional testing, quality foods, supplements, lifestyle practices, and health technology can ultimately save individuals thousands of dollars in medical costs over the long term. She also notes that paying directly for certain services can often be cheaper than going through insurance. Nicholson concludes by emphasizing the need for personalized care and a shift in the healthcare system toward prioritizing overall health and wellness.

In this blog post, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights the importance of understanding insulin resistance beyond just its association with diabetes. She explains that insulin resistance is surprisingly common, affecting more than a third of the population and the numbers are even higher for obese adults. Nicholson emphasizes that insulin resistance is linked to various health issues such as cancers, Alzheimer's disease, mental health disorders, PCOS, and more. She goes on to explain the role of insulin in blood sugar regulation, fat storage, and blood pressure regulation, and how insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body do not respond to insulin properly.

Nicholson discusses the factors that contribute to the development of insulin resistance, including genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle, and diet. She notes that while we cannot change our DNA, we can control whether certain genes are turned on or off through lifestyle choices and environmental factors. She highlights the impact of stress, toxins, pollution, and pathogen exposure on insulin resistance, and suggests ways to mitigate these factors. Nicholson also discusses the role of dietary choices in insulin levels and resistance, pointing out that not only simple sugars but also high-carbohydrate diets can contribute to insulin resistance. She emphasizes the importance of food quality, highlighting the detrimental effects of poor quality fats and toxins found in pre-made products, artificial ingredients, personal care products, and home care products.

In conclusion, Nicholson stresses the significance of identifying insulin resistance in addressing various chronic health issues, and highlights that with the right diet, lifestyle, and holistic approaches, insulin resistance can often be reduced or reversed.