Best Diabetes Doctor in Michigan for Personalized and Holistic Care

Finding the right diabetes doctor can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for more than medication adjustments or lab checkups. You want someone who understands the full picture of how your lifestyle, hormones, nutrition, stress, and genetics all play a role in your metabolic health. 

That’s where a holistic and functional medicine approach makes the difference, focusing not just on managing symptoms but uncovering the root causes of diabetes to create lasting wellness. 

In this article, you’ll discover how the right diabetes doctor in Michigan goes beyond prescriptions to address the root causes of diabetes, helping restore balance, boost energy, and support lasting metabolic health.

Read more What is Holistic Medicine

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how your body uses food for energy. Normally, your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, which helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells so it can be used as fuel. When your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly,  sugar builds up in your bloodstream. Over time, this high blood sugar can harm important organs such as your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and about 1 in 5 don’t know they have it. Additionally, around 97 million adults have prediabetes, a condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These numbers highlight how diabetes has become one of the most pressing health challenges in the United States.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes, each with different causes but similar effects on blood sugar levels:

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood and requires daily insulin.
  
  
• Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, where the body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance). It often develops from lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or obesity.
  
  
• Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy when hormones make it harder for the body to use insulin. It usually goes away after birth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
  
  

Read more about Natural Diabetes Solutions With Functional Medicine & Naturopathic Doctor

Early Warning Signs of Diabetes

Recognizing the early signs of diabetes is key to getting timely care and preventing complications. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating habits
• Fatigue or low energy
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing cuts or frequent infections
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

These symptoms can develop gradually, especially with type 2 diabetes, and are often overlooked. If you notice several of these signs, it’s important to get tested early and consult a qualified diabetes doctor to understand what’s happening in your body and start a proper care plan.

Where to Find a Diabetes Doctor in Michigan

If you’re searching for a diabetes doctor in Michigan who takes a more personalized, root-cause approach to care, Integrative Wellness Centers is an excellent place to start. Located in Michigan, our clinic offers a full range of functional and holistic health services designed to help you manage and even improve your metabolic health naturally.

At the center of this care is Dr. Josh Shields, a leading functional medicine practitioner known for helping patients uncover the underlying causes of chronic conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalance, and fatigue. 

Dr Josh Shields: Top-Rated Diabetes Doctor in Michigan

Dr. Josh Shields is the founder of Integrative Wellness Centers and one of Michigan’s most trusted functional and integrative medicine practitioners. With years of experience helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalance, and autoimmune issues, Dr. Shields is known for his holistic, patient-centered approach that looks beyond symptoms to uncover the true causes of illness.

Instead of focusing solely on medication, Dr. Shields uses advanced diagnostic testing, lifestyle coaching, and individualized nutrition strategies to help patients naturally balance blood sugar and improve metabolic health. His mission is to empower every patient to understand their body, take control of their wellness journey, and achieve lasting results through personalized care and education.

Final Thoughts

Living with diabetes doesn’t have to mean living with limits. With the right care, guidance, and understanding of your body’s root causes, it’s possible to restore balance and regain lasting energy. At Integrative Wellness Centers, Dr. Josh Shields and his team are dedicated to helping you achieve better blood sugar control through a personalized, holistic approach that looks beyond medication.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, improve your energy, and find lasting metabolic balance, schedule your consultation today with Michigan’s trusted functional medicine expert, Dr. Josh Shields. Start your journey toward better wellness here: Book an appointment →.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Holistic Care

1. What makes a holistic or functional medicine approach different from traditional diabetes treatment?
Traditional diabetes care focuses mainly on controlling blood sugar with medication. A functional medicine approach, like the one used at Integrative Wellness Centers, looks deeper into why blood sugar is imbalanced addressing factors like diet, stress, hormones, inflammation, and gut health to create lasting metabolic balance.

2. Can diabetes be reversed with holistic or functional medicine?
While not every case can be fully reversed, many people especially with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes experience major improvements or even remission through lifestyle, nutrition, and root-cause therapies. The goal is to restore your body’s ability to manage blood sugar naturally.

3. How does Dr. Josh Shields help patients with diabetes?
Dr. Josh Shields uses a comprehensive, personalized care plan that includes advanced lab testing, targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, and metabolic support. His approach focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying causes of insulin resistance and inflammation.

4. Is functional medicine safe to combine with my current diabetes medication?
Yes. Functional medicine works alongside your current medical treatment. Any adjustments to medication should be made in collaboration with your primary doctor or endocrinologist while your IWC provider supports the lifestyle and root-cause aspects of care.

5. How long does it take to see results from holistic diabetes care?
Many patients notice improvements in energy, blood sugar stability, and overall well-being within a few weeks. However, long-term transformation often takes a few months of consistent care and lifestyle changes.

6. What lifestyle changes can help improve diabetes naturally?
Simple habits like balanced nutrition, daily physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels. Functional medicine helps tailor these lifestyle changes to your specific needs and body type.

7. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Josh Shields in Michigan?
You can book a consultation directly through the Integrative Wellness Centers website to meet with Dr. Josh Shields, discuss your health goals, and begin your personalized path toward better metabolic health.

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