Diabetes

Several years ago, type 2 diabetes was referred to as “late” or “adult-onset” diabetes, but that’s no longer the case. Today, type 2 diabetes has become alarmingly common in young adults aged 19 to 40, and even younger. I’ve seen 10- to 12-year-olds who are pre-diabetic and 25-year-olds who are fully diabetic.

This trend is not only sad but also dangerous and costly for families and individuals alike.

According to the CDC and the National Institutes of Health, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes rates are on the rise. The younger a person is diagnosed, the shorter their life expectancy, leading to a lower quality of life and increasing financial burdens on families.

"I could not stand for long and had no stamina. I was feeling terrible. After following Dr. Gorla's wellness program, my A1C dropped from 8.1 to 5.8, and I’ve lost 50 pounds! I feel much better, have more stamina, and much less pain. I can do yard work and mow the lawn again, which I enjoy but couldn’t do before. I would definitely recommend Dr. Gorla!"
— MR

The Cost of Diabetes: Astronomical & Disabling

In the U.S., diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, amputations, and adult-onset blindness. Many doctors often tell patients they’ll have diabetes for the rest of their lives, and nothing can be done—especially for type 2 patients. This bleak outlook is common for patients with type 1, type 1.5, and type 2 diabetes when treated with pharmaceuticals alone.

However, this grim future is valid only if medication is the sole treatment method. While insulin is necessary for type 1 patients, many type 2 patients can manage their condition naturally, with the right guidance and care.

"I have type 1 diabetes and struggled to get my blood sugar under control. I also had thyroid issues, severe joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis, brain fog, and chronic fatigue. Since seeing Dr. Gorla, my life has drastically improved. My A1C has improved, I’m sleeping better, and I have no pain! I have so much more energy, and I can think clearly and move freely. Thank you, Dr. Gorla and team!"
— Christi W.

Wellness Model vs. Conventional Treatment

So, what’s the difference between the wellness model of care, which uses natural medicine, and the conventional approach of more medications?

The key lies in understanding the different types of diabetes, common misconceptions, and natural approaches to reversing or mitigating the effects of diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1.5: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA)
   Type 1.5 diabetes is often treated like type 2 diabetes, but this is a mistake. The root cause is the immune system attacking the pancreas. In functional medicine, we ask, why is the immune system misfiring? Identifying the underlying sources of inflammation—such as stress, infections, food sensitivities, toxic exposure, or nutrient deficiencies—can drastically improve a patient's life and reduce long-term suffering.

2. Type 2: Insulin Resistance
   Type 2 diabetes affects around 27 million Americans, with another 86 million having prediabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the pancreas produces insulin, but the body’s cells don’t respond properly, leading to high blood sugar. Addressing insulin resistance naturally involves more than medication—it requires a comprehensive approach, which we’ll explore below.

3 Common Misunderstandings About Diabetes

1. Diabetes always gets worse.
   If only pharmaceuticals are used, this may be true. However, under a wellness model of care that focuses on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and natural approaches, many patients improve their A1C, lose weight, and increase their energy, reducing the long-term costs of managing diabetes.

2. Diabetes is purely genetic.
   While genetics play a role, lifestyle and health choices—such as exercise, diet, and individualized advanced nutritional protocols—can greatly mitigate or even override genetic predispositions.

3. As long as you take your medications, diabetes isn’t a big deal.
   This couldn’t be further from the truth. The side effects of diabetes and its medications can be severe, including:

   • Kidney disease
   • Neuropathy
   • Fatigue
   • Diarrhea
   • Weight gain, which can lead to further complications
   • Eye disease
   • Peripheral vascular disease

5 Keys to Reversing or Mitigating Type 2 Diabetes

1. Control insulin surges
2. Re-sensitize insulin receptors
3. Stabilize and repair adrenal gland function
4. Identify and remove food sensitivities
5. Restore gut barrier integrity

By addressing these core areas, patients can dramatically improve their health outcomes.

"I was referred to two endocrinologists for better blood sugar control as a type 1 diabetic. I also needed help losing weight. Under Dr. Gorla’s care, I’ve lost weight, improved my blood sugar control, and reduced my insulin usage by 50%. I’ve also completely gone off my depression and cholesterol medications, and I feel so much better. I recommend Dr. Gorla to anyone who feels hopeless and needs help. I wish I had known about him when I was first diagnosed."
— Treva