Metabolic Disorders
Glucose and HbA1c move last, so we start with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR and find metabolic dysfunction while correcting it is still realistic.
Insulin resistance runs years ahead of prediabetes, and prediabetes runs years ahead of a diagnosis. A standard panel finds none of it until late, because fasting glucose and HbA1c are the last markers to move. We start with the ones that move first — which is what makes correcting this, rather than managing it, a realistic goal for you.
Too much circulating insulin, which promotes fat storage and blocks fat burning. A steady load of refined carbohydrate. Too little resistance training, since muscle is where glucose gets disposed of. Chronic cortisol elevation, which disrupts insulin signaling and adds visceral fat around your organs. Low magnesium, zinc, omega-3s and vitamin D. And a body clock knocked out of alignment by shift work or irregular sleep.
Food built on carbohydrate timing, enough protein and balanced macronutrients. A real exercise prescription: resistance training, Zone 2 conditioning — steady aerobic work you could hold a conversation through — and VO2 max intervals. GLP-1 or dual incretin medication from Brianna Cole, DNP, APRN where your markers support it. Then sleep and stress, to bring cortisol back into range. Medication is never the whole plan.
Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR find what glucose and HbA1c miss, alongside continuous glucose monitoring, hs-CRP for inflammation, and full thyroid and hormone status. On reversal the evidence is stronger than most people are told: the DiRECT trial reported remission in close to half of participants on a structured program within twelve months. Your own markers decide how that applies to you.
Your metabolic assessment runs inside Functional Health, and where weight and medication are central it runs through Medical Weight Loss. Start with the free fifteen-minute consultation.
What this covers
Metabolic Disorders spans several presentations. Each one has its own workup.
Weight loss resistance
Doing everything right and getting nothing back is a physiological finding rather than a character one, and every part of it is measurable.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is the earliest and most reversible stage of metabolic disease, and fasting insulin and HOMA-IR find it years before glucose moves.
High cholesterol
A standard cholesterol panel is not a risk assessment, because ApoB counts the particles that damage arteries and Lp(a) shows inherited risk it cannot see.
Common questions
The ones we are asked most about metabolic disorders.
Because standard panels lean on fasting glucose and HbA1c, and both stay normal until late. Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR move first and are rarely ordered. Starting there finds the problem years earlier.
In a meaningful share of cases, yes. Structured work on food, training and body composition has put it into documented remission, and prevention works better still. We track it with repeat markers rather than assume it.
Yes, anywhere in Kansas or Missouri, with lab draws arranged near you. Continuous glucose monitoring and coaching work just as well remotely as in the room.
Ready to start with a clear clinical picture?
Start with the fifteen-minute consultation. No cost, and a straight answer on whether this model fits your case.