Dysglycemia

Background: Understanding Dysglycemia

Glucose is the body’s primary energy source, regulated by insulin, glucagon, and cortisol. Disruption in this system can lead to:

• Hypoglycemia: Abnormally low blood glucose levels
• Hyperglycemia: Abnormally high blood glucose levels
• Glucose variability: Wide fluctuations seen early in insulin resistance 

Dysglycemia, even without overt diabetes, can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction.

Signs and Symptoms of Dysglycemia

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue after meals
• Cravings for sugar or starch
• Mood swings or anxiety around meals
• Brain fog
• Central weight gain
• Frequent urination and thirst
• Lightheadedness or tremors 

In women, dysglycemia often parallels symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Diagnostic Evaluation: Biomarkers for Glucose Dysregulation

Key labs include:

1. Blood Glucose Metrics:

• • Fasting Glucose
  • Hemoglobin A1c
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) (assesses 2-hour post-glucose response)
    

2. Insulin and Resistance Markers:

• • Fasting Insulin
  • C-Peptide
    
  • HOMA2-IR (calculated index for insulin resistance)
    

3. Additional Biomarkers:

• • Triglycerides and HDL
  • High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
  • Ferritin

Causes of Dysglycemia

Common contributors include:

• High refined carbohydrate intake
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
• Poor sleep patterns
• Insulin resistance
• Visceral adiposity
• Medication effects (e.g., corticosteroids, beta-blockers)

Conditions Associated with Dysglycemia

Persistent dysglycemia may lead to:

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Hyperinsulinemia and obesity

Interfering Factors and Clinical Considerations

Interfering variables when assessing dysglycemia include:

• Acute illness
• Alcohol consumption
• Exercise immediately prior to labs
• Inconsistent fasting times
• Hemoglobinopathies affecting A1c

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

Our strategies include:

1. Nutrition Therapy:

• • Low-glycemic, fiber-rich diets
  • Protein and healthy fat at each meal
  • Minimizing processed carbohydrates
  • Individualized carbohydrate tolerance monitoring

2. Lifestyle Optimization:

• • Daily movement (aerobic + resistance training)
  • Stress resilience training
  • Sleep hygiene improvements

3. Targeted Supplementation:

• • Berberine, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid
  • Magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s

4. Ongoing Monitoring:

• • Re-evaluation every 8–12 weeks
  • Integration of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) if appropriate

Conclusion

Dysglycemia is a clinically significant but often under-recognized pattern of glucose imbalance. Left unaddressed, it can drive a wide range of metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Through early identification and intervention, dysglycemia can be reversed—preventing progression to more serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances driving glucose dysregulation. By integrating evidence-based therapies with medical weight loss and IV therapy services—supporting metabolic resilience and inflammation reduction—we offer patients a regenerative framework for restoring glucose control and optimizing long-term health. Call tel:904-799-2531 or schedule online to request your personalized metabolic health evaluation.

Further Reading

• Umpierrez, G. E., & Korytkowski, M. (2011). Hospital management of hyperglycemia: A review of recent guidelines and clinical trials. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 18(2), 123-129. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0b013e328344c0e7

• Krinsley, J. S., & Preiser, J.-C. (2014). Dysglycemia in the critically ill patient: Current evidence and future perspectives. Annals of Intensive Care, 4(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13613-014-0023-7

• American Diabetes Association. (2023). Management of diabetes and hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients. In Diabetes Care (pp. S192-S203). https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-S014

• Cryer, P. E. (2009). Evaluation and management of adult hypoglycemic disorders. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 94(3), 709-713. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2008-1962