Type 2 diabetes is associated with multiple, often devastating health conditions and complications. These may include heart disease, neuropathy, kidney disease, damage to feet and legs that may eventually lead to amputation, Alzheimer’s disease, vision loss and more. Current research suggests 1 in 3 adults in the US has pre-diabetes, while 1 in 5 teens has either pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. It’s in the interest of everyone at every age to take preventative measures to avoid developing this disease.

Being told you have pre-diabetes may serve as a wake-up call if you either weren’t aware of your poor health condition or had chosen to ignore it. You do not have to wait to be told you are on the path to developing type 2 diabetes to take action to minimize your risk of developing this disease. It is possible to detect and address health and lifestyle issues that may be leading you on a path to type 2 diabetes. An extensive evaluation by a functional neurologist can be the first step in avoiding the onset of chronic and serious health problems.

Functional neurologists are proactive in preventing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. This type of health care relies on extensive laboratory testing with much more sensitive parameters than those typically utilized in conventional medicine. This means a functional neurologist can recognize imbalances or changes in the body such as insulin resistance early on. Earlier detection offers the opportunity to make changes that may halt the dangerous progression toward disease development. It is possible to make significant improvements in your health once it’s clear exactly what changes must be made.

Diet, lifestyle changes and other natural therapies can go a long way toward managing health conditions that may be leading to or involved with pre-diabetes. A customized care plan, adequate support, and careful monitoring of progress help ensure individuals succeed with the therapeutic support functional neurologists provide.

In functional neurology, the individual is an active participant in all decisions and care plans. Patients aren’t simply told what to do and sent on their way with the hope and expectation they’ll succeed, and this isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ type of health care. Practitioners partner with each individual to ensure they have all of the information, understanding and support they need to make decisions about their health and any necessary changes.

Type 2 diabetes does not happen overnight. It is a condition that develops slowly, typically over many years. There is no quick fix or easy solution that will instantly prevent diabetes or easily remedy pre-diabetes. But with dedication and customized care that focuses on finding and managing the underlying causes of its development, type 2 diabetes may be considered a preventable disease.