As a board-certified endocrinologist with nearly a quarter-century of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges patients face in managing diabetes and achieving sustainable weight loss. These conditions are deeply intertwined, with excess weight often exacerbating insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation.

In my functional medicine practice, I combine the precision of traditional endocrinology with the holistic, root-cause focus of functional medicine to create personalized, effective strategies for my patients. My goal is not just to manage diabetes or shed pounds but to empower patients with a roadmap to vibrant, long-term health.

Understanding the Diabetes-Weight Loss Connection

Diabetes, particularly type 2, is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Excess body weight, especially visceral fat, amplifies insulin resistance, making blood sugar control harder. Conversely, weight loss—even as little as 5-10% of body weight—can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, reduce medication needs, and lower the risk of complications like heart disease or neuropathy.

However, weight loss for diabetes management isn’t just about cutting calories. It requires addressing the underlying drivers of both conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, inflammation, gut health, stress, and lifestyle factors. In my practice, I use a hybrid approach that blends evidence-based medical interventions with functional medicine’s investigative lens to create tailored plans that work.

A Hybrid Model: Traditional Meets Functional

Traditional endocrinology offers powerful tools for diabetes management, including medications like metformin, GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide), or insulin therapy when needed. These treatments are critical for stabilizing blood sugar and preventing complications. However, they often address symptoms rather than root causes. Functional medicine complements this by exploring why insulin resistance or weight gain persists—whether it’s due to poor gut health, chronic stress elevating cortisol, or dietary patterns that spike blood sugar.

For example, a patient with type 2 diabetes and obesity might receive a GLP-1 agonist to improve blood sugar and support weight loss while also adopting a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet to reduce insulin resistance. I might recommend stress-reduction techniques to lower cortisol, which can sabotage weight loss, or targeted supplements to address nutrient deficiencies impacting metabolism. This hybrid model ensures immediate control of diabetes while building a foundation for sustainable weight loss and overall wellness.

Time and Attention: The Heart of Personalized Care

In my practice, I prioritize giving patients the time they deserve. Initial consultations last 1.5 hours, allowing me to dive deep into their medical history, lifestyle, and goals. We discuss everything from their diet and exercise habits to sleep patterns and stress levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their health. This extended time helps me identify hidden factors—like undiagnosed food sensitivities or sleep apnea—that may be hindering diabetes control or weight loss.

Follow-up visits, at 30 minutes, provide ongoing support to track progress, adjust strategies, and address challenges. This time-intensive approach sets my practice apart from conventional settings, where rushed appointments often leave patients feeling unheard. By fostering a collaborative partnership, I empower patients to take charge of their health with confidence.

Harnessing AI for Precision Planning

To enhance my clinical decision-making, I judiciously use artificial intelligence (AI) when appropriate. AI can analyze complex data—such as lab results, dietary logs, or genetic predispositions—to uncover patterns that inform treatment plans. For instance, AI might highlight how a patient’s carbohydrate intake correlates with blood sugar spikes or identify nutrient deficiencies that impair metabolism. This allows me to construct a precise, data-driven roadmap to better health.

However, AI is a tool, not a substitute for expertise. My decades of experience as an endocrinologist enable me to interpret AI insights critically, ensuring they align with each patient’s unique needs. This balanced approach maximizes the benefits of technology while preserving the human connection that drives meaningful change.

A Fee-for-Service Model with Accessible Testing

My functional medicine practice operates on a fee-for-service basis, reflecting the personalized, time-intensive care I provide. This model allows me to focus on quality, dedicating ample resources to each patient’s journey. While consultations are out-of-pocket, standard laboratory tests—like A1C, fasting glucose, or lipid panels—are typically covered by insurance, making essential diagnostics accessible.

For patients seeking deeper insights, I offer optional testing through alternative laboratory providers. These tests, paid directly to the labs, might include advanced markers like insulin levels, inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein), or gut health assessments. Such tests can reveal hidden barriers to weight loss or diabetes control, like leaky gut or chronic inflammation. I work closely with patients to determine which tests align with their goals, ensuring transparency and value.

Practical Strategies for Diabetes and Weight Loss

1. Nutrition as Medicine: I guide patients toward a low-glycemic, nutrient-dense diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This stabilizes blood sugar and supports weight loss without the deprivation of fad diets. For some, I may recommend time-restricted eating or ketogenic approaches, tailored to their needs.
2. Exercise for Metabolic Health: Movement is critical for improving insulin sensitivity and burning fat. I design realistic plans, such as combining strength training with moderate cardio, based on the patient’s fitness level and preferences.
3. Stress and Sleep Optimization: Chronic stress and poor sleep elevate cortisol and blood sugar, stalling weight loss. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or improving sleep hygiene can make a significant difference.
4. Gut Health: An imbalanced gut microbiome can drive inflammation and insulin resistance. I may recommend probiotics, prebiotics, or food sensitivity testing to restore gut health.
5. Medications When Needed: For some, medications like GLP-1 agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors are game-changers for both diabetes control and weight loss. I prescribe these judiciously, ensuring they complement lifestyle changes.

Empowering Patients for Success

Managing diabetes and weight loss is a journey, and my role is to guide patients every step of the way. By blending traditional and functional medicine, I provide a comprehensive, compassionate approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals. Whether it’s helping a patient reduce their A1C, fit into their favorite clothes, or simply feel more energized, I celebrate their victories and support them through challenges.

In my practice, patients aren’t just numbers—they’re partners in their healing. With ample time, cutting-edge tools like AI, and a hybrid model that bridges the best of both worlds, I help them achieve not just control over diabetes and weight but a life of vitality and possibility.

Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a personalized plan for lasting energy, balanced blood sugar, and sustainable weight loss.