Client Files: Wants to Decrease Meds for Type 2 Diabetes

This case is a perfect example of how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements. I was recently asked by a client for help managing her Type 2 diabetes. She was working with a doctor and taking medication, but she had a strong desire to decrease her medication or eventually eliminate the need for it.

We did a deep dive into her current lifestyle to identify subtle, manageable shifts that could make a profound difference over time.

Change 1: Post-Meal Walks
One of the first areas we explored was physical activity. My client wasn’t a fan of intense exercise (I can relate lol) so we looked for the smallest change that could have the biggest impact. We came up with a simple 10-minute walk after each meal. Walking after eating helps manage blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake in muscles, which lowers blood glucose levels and stabilizes insulin response. Even a short walk can significantly reduce post-meal glucose spikes, making it beneficial for overall metabolic health. She found this remarkably doable, even after lunch at work.

Change 2: Satisfying Substitutions
Next, we looked at her favorite foods and what she could substitute that would be lower glycemic. The golden rule was she had to enjoy it at least as much as what she normally ate. We also looked at amounts of items. For example, if she liked peanut butter on her toast, did she get as much enjoyment from 1 teaspoon as she did from 1 tablespoon? It turned out, she did. We identified several substitutions she liked as much or more, so she made those small changes. Others she didn’t, so we simply left those alone. This personalized approach ensured she never felt like she was “on a diet.”

Change 3: Herbs
To further support her blood sugar regulation, we incorporated specific herbs. We opted for our SLIM tea, known for its rich ginger content—excellent for blood sugar regulation—and hibiscus, which can help curb food cravings. We’d start there and if we needed to make custom adjustments, we would. She made a pitcher of the tea daily and drank it chilled in her water bottle throughout the day, replacing plain water. This was an effortless way to introduce beneficial compounds consistently.

Progress Report: Two Months In
We went with those changes and checked in every two weeks, making small adjustments along the way, such as extending her evening walk to 20 minutes after dinner.

After just two months, she went to her doctor, who noticed she had lost 8 pounds (although weight loss was not our primary focus). More importantly, her glucose levels were better. He slightly adjusted her medication but wanted to be cautious.

Progress Report: Four Months In
Two months later, her blood sugar levels had improved so much that they required a further decrease in medication. She was feeling better with far less fatigue and had continued to lose a moderate amount of weight—about 5 more pounds. She also noticed that the chronic rash on her neck was gone. She was now finding her own substitutions for favorite foods and treats and genuinely enjoyed her meals as much as she did five months ago. The key was that she didn’t feel she was “on a diet” because she wasn’t.

We will continue to make small, impactful changes, and she hopes to work with her doctor to eventually eliminate the need for medication to control her diabetes.