Initial Presentation/ History
RB is a 65-yr old female with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and has struggled with her weight for the past 20 years. She has tried every diet out there and claims she was always hungry while on them and therefore would not follow through. She feels that her sugar cravings are out of control.
Symptomatology
RB complains of low energy, joint pain and stiffness. Her current medications include Metformin (1,000 mg daily), and Losartan (50 mg daily). Her goal is to eliminate her medications and incorporate a healthier lifestyle.
Clinical Assessment
RB weighed 205 lbs. and is 5’7” in height. Her blood pressure is 152/81 with medication. UA was normal. The SHAPE Program was discussed and mutually agreed upon.
Method of Treatment
RB started the SHAPE Program on 5/30/14. We directed her to the article on the dangers of sugar and artificial sweeteners on the SHAPE website. We felt this would give her a better understanding of her uncontrollable urge for sweets.
She experienced a particularly rough detox within the first week with migraines, lethargy, and a rash on both upper extremities. We attributed this to her previous diet of high sugar consumption. These symptoms resolved the second week of program.
Results
RB went from 205 lbs to 165 lbs in 3 months. She also showed an overall decrease of 15 inches. Her blood pressure was holding steady at 129/52. Her endocrinologist removed all of her medications. She is now in an optimal state of health and feels great.
Conclusion
RB was able to attain her goals of eliminating her medications and finally losing the weight that never seemed to come off with other programs she had tried. After following the SHAPE protocol and reading the sugar article, she FINALLY made the connection of why her sugar cravings were out of control. She felt a huge relief that it wasn’t her fault!
We hear time after time from SHAPE patients that their cravings for sugar are drastically reduced. They then become aware of just how much sugar is added to our food and also the names it can be disguised under.
The SHAPE Program has been a powerful tool for us to educate patients on the importance of whole foods verses processed foods.
Submitted by Jeff Barton, RPh
