Recently, I’ve noticed a trend in my clinical practice. I’m seeing far more instances of blood sugar dysregulation on screening labs, even in patients I wouldn’t otherwise suspect of metabolic issues. Many patients have joked that it’s due to quarantine weight or lifestyle changes that they know are less than ideal. Cultural changes that have taken place over the past two years have no doubt brought about changes to our overall health. Many people have opted for less nutritious foods and decreased their activity levels during times of quarantine, which can disrupt metabolic health.
Markers of metabolic health and signs of early metabolic syndrome should be at the forefront of any integrative practitioner’s mind right now. Not only is healthy glucose metabolism a significant predictor of overall health and mortality, but we know that COVID-19 infections may have more devastating effects in those with elevated blood glucose levels.1 With that knowledge, it’s almost more important now to intervene when a patient presents with markers indicating early or advanced glycemic dysregulation. Many of these patients may be resistant to medications or present in the early, pre-diabetic stage, yet in desperate need of intervention beyond just diet and lifestyle management for effective results. In these cases, it’s essential to look to alternative options, such as herbs and nutraceuticals, that may offer better results than diet and exercise alone.2
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