Rapid Remission of Chronic, Progressive Conditions and Reducing Polypharmacy by Utilizing Lifestyle Therapy to Target Insulinemic Lifestyle Components

Abstract

This case study provides evidence that homeostatic control in a patient with hyperglycemia and other metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance can be rapidly restored utilizing lifestyle therapy. The patient, an overweight, non-Hispanic White male aged 70 years, had been medicated for hypertension and Type 2 diabetes mellitus for 12 years. From baseline during 21 months of follow-up, HbA1c decreased from 6.6% to 5.4%, mean fasting glucose decreased from 125 mg/dL to 94 mg/dL, blood pressure decreased from 130/85 mmHg to 100/64 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 50 ml/min/1.73m² to 58 ml/min/1.73m², waist circumference decreased from 118.8 cm to 90.8 cm, and liver function improved with aspartate transaminase decreasing from 44 IU/L to 17 IU/L and alanine transaminase decreasing from 34 IU/L to 21 IU/L. Each of these metabolic corrections was observed while eliminating respective disease-specific medications. These metabolic improvements were achieved using primary recommended lifestyle therapy specifically targeting known insulinemic lifestyle components. This case study shows that the utilization of primary recommended, ongoing lifestyle therapy targeting insulinemic lifestyle components can rapidly improve markers of insulin resistance and normalize abnormal laboratory values while eliminating the risk of polypharmacy and the direct costs of medication.