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Chances are, you or someone close to you is living with diabetes—or may be at risk. It’s one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., and its numbers keep rising. About 38 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 1 in 4 of them don’t even know it. Many patients also feel overwhelmed or unsupported when it comes to managing the condition.
That’s where Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah, ND, comes in. At her Tigard, OR practice, she combines the best of conventional care with lifestyle, nutritional, and integrative support. Her goal? To empower you with a deeper understanding of your health—not just write a prescription.
What Is Diabetes? A Simple Explanation
Diabetes affects your body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. When you eat, your body breaks down food into sugar (glucose), which is then used by cells for energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar—also called hyperglycemia.
The Different Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It often develops in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin treatment.
Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form, type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin. It usually affects adults, but is increasingly seen in younger individuals. Type 2 can often be managed or reversed through lifestyle changes.
Gestational and Other Forms
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth, though it increases the mother's risk of developing type 2 later. Rare forms like diabetes insipidus and monogenic diabetes also exist.
Early signs of diabetes can be subtle. Look for symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and slow wound healing. If you're near Tigard, OR, and are noticing these signs, consider scheduling a screening with Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah, ND, or another qualified practitioner you trust.
What Causes Diabetes? Understanding the Root Causes
Diabetes develops due to a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. A family history of diabetes can raise your risk, but weight, poor diet, inactivity, and chronic stress also play a major role. Conditions like impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance are early indicators of developing type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore
Being over 45, overweight, sedentary, or having high blood pressure can increase your diabetes risk. Certain ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian populations, are also at greater risk. One in four adults with diabetes may not even know they have it.
How Diabetes Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis involves blood tests like the A1C (which measures average blood sugar over 3 months), fasting glucose, and oral glucose tolerance tests. A fasting glucose level higher than 126 mg/dL typically indicates diabetes. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term complications.
Life With Diabetes: What to Expect
Building a Supportive Health Care Team
Living with diabetes requires a team effort. Your care team might include a primary care doctor, a registered dietitian, an endocrinologist, and an integrative practitioner like Dr. Colleen.
Making Lifestyle Modifications That Work
Small changes can make a big difference. Eating balanced meals, getting daily movement, reducing stress, and getting regular sleep all support blood sugar balance.
How Dr. Colleen Approaches Diabetes Differently
Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah believes in identifying and addressing the root causes of your symptoms. Her integrative practice in Tigard, OR, focuses on lifestyle and nutritional interventions first, and adds medication only when necessary.
She spends time getting to know her patients and customizes treatment based on the full picture—not just lab results.
Long-Term Complications of Poorly Managed Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney damage, vision problems, nerve damage, and more. The sooner you take control, the more you can reduce your risk of complications.
Hope and Help for People with Diabetes
Living with diabetes doesn't mean giving up your quality of life. With support, education, and the right care plan, most people can thrive with diabetes.
Programs like Tour de Cure, an annual fundraising cycling event organized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), raise money for diabetes research, advocacy, programs and education.
Other events and community resources are available to help you stay motivated and connected.
Next Steps: Get the Care You Deserve
If you suspect diabetes or have been recently diagnosed, don’t wait to seek care. Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah in Tigard, OR, is accepting new patients and ready to help you create a sustainable, personalized plan for living well. Early action leads to better outcomes.
👇 Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes
Q: What are early signs of diabetes?
A: Common early signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and unexplained weight loss.
Q: How does Dr. Colleen treat diabetes?
A: She focuses on lifestyle changes and root-cause care, using medications only when necessary, and prioritizing personalized integrative plans.
Q: Can diabetes be reversed naturally?
A: Type 2 diabetes can often be managed or even reversed through diet, exercise, and stress reduction — especially when caught early.
Q: Where can I get diabetes care in Tigard, OR?
A: Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah offers integrative, patient-centered diabetes care in Tigard, Oregon.
Ready to take the next step?
Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah, ND,
offers compassionate, root-cause care
for diabetes and related conditions
at her Tigard, OR clinic.
📞 Call 503-855-4341 or
🌐 visit drcolleenamannshah.com to schedule your appointment today.
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