Weight Inclusive Health Care for All
THE FAT NATUROPATH
Weight Neutral Diabetes Care in Portland
At my Portland naturopathic practice, I work with people managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance using an approach grounded in science, weight neutrality, and genuine respect for your body.
One of the most common things people hear after receiving a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis is that their next step is to lose weight. But that’s not the whole story - diabetes is more than a number on the scale.
The causes of type 2 diabetes are complex, and genetics does play a significant role.
And while intentional weight loss is sometimes effective in the short term, studies show most people regain the weight they lose and may even gain more weight on top of that. That’s because your body is designed to resist losing weight.
There are other ways to manage to support your body aren’t related to the scale. These include sleep quality, how you manage daily stress, finding movement you enjoy, getting enough fiber and water, and how you regulate your nervous system.
Ready to get started? Schedule a new client appointment.
Still have questions? Schedule a free 20 minute consult.
My approach to diabetes care
As a Portland naturopath, I focus on building insulin sensitivity and supporting glucose regulation in a way that’s sustainable and doesn’t require you to spend your life in a restrict-regret cycle.
That means looking at the full picture including your labs, stress levels, sleep, and your history with food and movement. Together, we’ll build a plan that fits your life and supports your health goals.
I also collaborate closely with weight-inclusive dietitians and work alongside your endocrinologist when relevant.
What diabetes care can look like
Labs that include not just fasting glucose and A1C, but fasting insulin and other potential labs that research is showing help identify insulin resistance sooner
Nutrition that is focused on supporting the body with glucose regulation in a way that does not lead to the restriction/binge purge cycle
Movement that does not focus on being smaller, but on creating more insulin sensitivity within the body to support it in managing glucose regulation. Movement that is also focused on enjoyment of the body and the movement itself.
Botanical support - there are different herbs that have been shown scientifically and historically to support glucose regulation. They can be used with medication and/or lifestyle changes
Addressing and acknowledging the stress of the stigma around T2DM and fatness.
While we can’t change the world overnight, understanding how you can find ways to support yourself even in the face of stigma. It is not easy, but it is important to find support in that.
Is This the Right Fit?
People with T2DM or insulin resistance who do not want to be weight loss focused.
People with T2DM or insulin resistance who have a history of eating disorders and the push to lose weight triggers their eating disorder patterns.
People who are ready to work with their bodies instead of against them.
This may not be the right fit if your primary goal is weight loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Doesn’t weight loss improve diabetes?
It can lower blood sugar in the short term, but intentional weight loss isn’t sustainable in most cases and the cycle of losing and regaining weight carries its own health consequences. My approach focuses on metabolic health and insulin sensitivity directly, which has benefits regardless of weight change.
Did I cause my diabetes by eating too much sugar?
No. Type 2 diabetes develops from a combination of genetic factors, insulin resistance, and a range of lifestyle and systemic influences. Sugar intake alone doesn’t cause it. You didn’t fail your body in any way and you don’t need to “earn” care or support with restriction.
Can I still use this approach if I’m on medication?
Absolutely. Naturopathic and conventional care work well together. I coordinate with your prescribing provider and any botanical or lifestyle support I recommend is chosen with your medications in mind.
What if I’ve had bad experiences with medical providers around my weight?
That experience is incredibly common and completely valid. Weight stigma in healthcare is well-documented and does real harm. My practice is explicitly weight-neutral. That means your size is not treated as a problem to solve, and you won’t be asked to lose weight as a condition of care.
Do you work with people who have eating disorder history?
Yes. I have experience treating both disordered eating and eating disorders. I work carefully to avoid triggering restriction patterns and collaborate with eating disorder providers when appropriate.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes, telehealth is available for Oregon residents. In-person appointments are also available at my Portland practice.