Dr Colleen Amann-Shah, ND
Innovative Diabetes Care Tailored for You
Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah, ND prioritizes personalized diabetes care plans through integrative and compassionate naturopathic methods. Her commitment to providing excellent care centers around listening to and valuing each patient.
Explore Your Personalized Diabetes Care Plan
Diabetes Care in Tigard, OR: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving
If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, you're not alone. Diabetes affects over 38 million people in the U.S., and many more remain undiagnosed. At Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah’s integrative practice in Tigard, OR, we go beyond symptom control—helping you take back your health with personalized, root-cause care.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin—or can’t use it effectively—glucose builds up in the blood, leading to a wide range of symptoms and
long-term health risks.
Two Types of Diabetes
Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Other
There are several types of diabetes. Each requires a different approach to care:
- Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune condition that often begins in childhood. Requires lifelong insulin therapy.
- Type 2 Diabetes – The most common type. Often develops in adults and may be reversed with lifestyle changes.
- Gestational & Other Forms – Occurs during pregnancy and may increase long-term risk.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms can be subtle. Look for frequent urination, thirst, blurry vision, fatigue, and slow wound healing.
Unlock healthier living through integrative diabetes care methods.
Manage sugar levels effectively with natural insulin support.
What Causes Diabetes? Understanding the Root
Diabetes results from genetic and lifestyle factors—like poor diet, chronic stress, and inactivity. Impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance can start years before diagnosis.
Risk Factors You Shouldn't Ignore
- Age 45+
- overweight
- sedentary lifestyle
- family history
- certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian).
Diagnosis, Monitoring & Long-Term Management
- Diagnosis involves standard tests: A1C, fasting glucose, random glucose, or OGTT. A1C ≥ 6.5% indicates diabetes.
- Monitoring includes retesting A1C every 3–6 months, plus annual blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney, eye, foot, dental, and hearing checks.
Life with Diabetes: What to Expect
Building a Supportive Health Care Team
Making Lifestyle Modifications That Work
- Balanced meals
- physical activity
- stress reduction
- sleep
What to Expect at Your First Visit
-
Comprehensive intake:
- Medical history, lifestyle habits, symptoms, recent labs
-
Personalized labs:
- A1C, fasting glucose, lipids, kidney/liver, thyroid, hormones, functional markers.
-
Goal-setting:
- Define outcomes such as improving labs naturally or optimizing medication.
Treatment & Ongoing Care Plan
How Dr. Colleen Approaches Diabetes Differently
Dr. Colleen offers insightful guidance on lifestyle changes, and, when possible, natural therapies tailored to your unique health profile.
Benefit from personalized evaluations, ensuring that every aspect of your health is considered in crafting your care plan.
How Dr. Colleen’s Integrative Approach Is Different
Long-Term Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes
Without management, diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, vision loss.
Hope and Support for People with Diabetes
Other events and community resources are available to help you stay motivated and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What labs do you recommend and how often?
A: A1C every 3 - 6 months.
How do you balance diet and lifestyle with medication?
A: If someone is opposed to medication, I will work with them on lifestyle for 3 months and then discuss medication again. I usually recommend medication once someone is truly diabetic (i.e. their A1C is 6.5 or higher). Anyone with an A!C of 10 or more usually needs insulin.
What integrative therapies do you commonly use?
A: I sometimes use herbs like berberine and focus on managing lifestyle changes—sleep, stress, diet, and movement.
How often will I need check-ins for lab and symptom review?
A: Every 3 - 6 months.
Will I need devices like CGMs; what do you recommend?
A: I usually don’t recommend these because insurance doesn’t cover them.
What are the early signs of diabetes?
A: Fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination are common signs.
Test Your Knowledge (click "+" to check your answer)
Get the Care You Deserve!
If you're concerned about diabetes, Dr. Colleen in Tigard, OR is here to help.
📞 Call 503-855-4341 or visit drcolleenamannshah.com.
🔗 Want to learn more? Visit the Hypertension & Cholesterol Page (https://drcolleenamannshah.com/cardiometabolic-health-hypertension-and-cholesterol) or https://bit.ly/Diabetes-Guide-DrColleen
Ready to Take control of your diabetes—starting today?
Let’s work together to prevent complications and improve your health for the long term.
Schedule your appointment today to get expert support in managing your diabetes.
Dr. Colleen offers compassionate, whole-person care for lasting results.
Call 503-855-4341 or visit our contact page to get started.
503-855-4341 | Located in Tigard, OR
Book an Appointment Visit Our Hypertension Resource Page
Contact:
T: 503-855-4341
Email: dramannshah@gmail.com
Address:
15875 SW 72nd Ave
Tigard
OR
97224
About Us:
Trusted Tigard physician, combining naturopathic and conventional care as your diabetes care specialist.
