Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, Conway, AR
Managing type 2 diabetes can feel like a nonstop balancing act—checking glucose, tweaking medications, and fitting healthier habits into an already crowded schedule. Without the right support, rising blood-glucose levels can quietly heighten the risk of nerve damage, heart disease, and other serious problems.
At Consider Health, board-certified functional-medicine practitioner Dr. Keith Currie designs care plans that fit real life. Personalized medical nutrition therapy, practical education, stress-management tools, and practical movement goals shift the focus from fighting a diagnosis to building lifelong health.
Ready to take control of your blood sugar—and your life?
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
“Diabetes” is an umbrella term for conditions that keep blood-glucose levels chronically high (hyperglycemia). Either the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or its cells stop responding to the insulin produced. In type 2, insulin resistance develops first; over time the pancreas makes less hormone, allowing glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream.
The three main forms are:
Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune reaction stops the pancreas from producing insulin. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and always requires insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance causes persistent high blood sugar. Risk rises with excess weight, limited physical activity, family history, and pre-diabetes. Targeted lifestyle changes—and medication when needed—can stabilize or even reverse the trend.
Gestational Diabetes
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy raise blood sugar. Levels usually return to normal after delivery, though both mother and baby face a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2.
If you’d like a clear explanation of your lab results—or guidance on next steps—reach out today; our team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Common Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 develops gradually—usually after years of small habits, hidden risk factors, and genetic influences begin to overlap. Understanding what drives insulin resistance can help you (and your care team) address the root rather than chasing symptoms.
Key contributors include:
Excess body fat
Visceral fat releases hormones that interfere with insulin’s work, pushing blood-sugar levels higher over time.
Sedentary routines
Muscles that stay inactive for long stretches burn less glucose, letting it linger in your bloodstream.
Family history and genetics
A parent or sibling with the condition significantly raises your odds, lowering the threshold for other triggers.
Advancing age
Metabolism naturally slows, and pancreatic beta cells wear down, making it harder to keep glucose in check after about age 45.
Previous gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes
Both signal early insulin resistance and predict future problems if lifestyle adjustments aren’t made.
Chronic stress and poor sleep
Elevated cortisol and disrupted circadian rhythms prompt the liver to release extra glucose and make cells less responsive to insulin.
Certain medications or hormonal conditions
Long-term steroid use, some antipsychotics, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid disorders can all impair glucose control.
Unbalanced eating patterns
Frequent ultra-processed or high-sugar meals spike blood sugar and strain insulin-producing cells, while nutrient deficiencies hinder metabolic health.
What Symptoms Does Type 2 Diabetes Cause?
Many people feel fine at first because blood sugar levels climb gradually rather than all at once. Still, subtle changes can hint that the body isn’t using insulin effectively. Keep an eye out for the following red flags—and let our clinic know if you notice more than one:
Frequent urination, especially at night
The kidneys work overtime to flush out excess glucose.
Persistent thirst or a dry mouth
Fluid loss from frequent urination leaves you dehydrated.
Unusual hunger or sudden fatigue
Cells can’t draw glucose inside for energy, leaving you drained even after meals.
Blurred vision or headaches
Shifting fluid levels alter the shape of the eye’s lens.
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Prolonged high sugar can irritate peripheral nerves.
Slow-healing cuts or recurring skin and urinary infections
Excess glucose feeds bacteria and hinders circulation.
Unexplained weight changes
When cells can’t access fuel, the body burns fat and muscle for energy.
Very dry or itchy skin
Reduced blood flow and dehydration lower skin moisture.
What are the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes?
Managing type 2 diabetes is a partnership: you make day-to-day choices, and our clinic supplies expert guidance, advanced testing, and timely course corrections.
After a thorough history, a functional medicine evaluation, and a conversation about your routine, we build a plan that fits busy schedules and targets the root causes of rising glucose.
Your personalized program may include:
Comprehensive Blood Work—“The Currie Deluxe Panel Blood Chemistry Analysis”
A full metabolic screen tracks glucose, insulin, inflammatory markers, thyroid, and liver function, giving us a precise starting point.
Cardio IQ Lipid Profile
Advanced cholesterol testing pinpoints cardiovascular risk, a key concern for diabetes patients.
Medical Nutrition Therapy & Healthy-Eating Coaching
Meal templates, shopping tips, and food-log reviews steady daily glucose without rigid diets.
Hormone and Micronutrient Testing
Identifies hidden imbalances—such as low vitamin D or thyroid sluggishness—that can stall progress.
Food Intolerance and Gut-Microbiome Analysis
Reveals inflammatory triggers and guides personalized nutrition adjustments.
Virtual Health Coaching
Secure video or phone check-ins reinforce new self-care behaviors and keep momentum strong between office visits.
Ongoing Diabetes Education
Short, focused consultations cover label reading, carb pairing, goal-setting, and real-world problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do if you have type 2 diabetes?
The most effective first move is to adopt consistent self-care behaviors: balanced, healthy eating; regular movement; quality sleep; and stress management. Combine these with regular glucose checks and stay in close touch with your care team so tweaks happen early instead of after trouble starts.
Can you live a normal life with type 2 diabetes?
Absolutely. Many diabetes patients hit their glucose targets and keep up with family, work, and hobbies by monitoring numbers, staying active, and following a personalized plan. Consistent support turns daily choices into habits instead of hassles.
Is type 2 diabetes hard to manage?
It may seem overwhelming at first, but most people settle into a routine within a few months. Clear goals, practical tools, and a focus on living well—rather than just fighting diabetes—make day-to-day care much easier.
What is the best doctor for type 2 diabetes?
A primary-care provider is the usual starting point. When glucose remains high or complications appear, a functional-medicine practitioner, such as Dr. Currie, can investigate underlying causes and coordinate a referral for advanced therapies.
Where can I get help for type 2 diabetes?
Consider Health provides full-service programs and, when needed, referrals to eye care, dental care, and local fitness resources. We review specific costs up front and confirm your insurance coverage before you enroll, so there are no surprises.
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