Dr. Retzler’s Philosophy on Diabetes Prevention & Reversing Metabolic Syndrome

At HormoneSynergy®, Dr. Kathryn Retzler champions a proactive, root-cause–oriented path to metabolic health. Rather than merely managing blood sugar with medications, her philosophy emphasizes prevention, stabilization, and reversal of metabolic syndrome through an integrative model that combines advanced diagnostics, lifestyle medicine, hormone optimization, and complementary supplementation.

If you live in Portland, Lake Oswego, or nearby communities, this post outlines how Dr. Retzler’s model is tailored locally - and how you can take steps now to protect against diabetes, regain metabolic balance, and build resilience for long-term health.

Understanding the Challenge: Metabolic Syndrome & Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease, but a cluster:

• Elevated fasting glucose / insulin resistance

• Central (abdominal) fat accumulation

• Dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides, low HDL, sometimes high LDL)

• Hypertension

• Pro-inflammatory / oxidative stress state

When these factors coalesce, the risk of progressing to overt type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and even cognitive decline increases dramatically.

Some key data:

• In U.S. adults, nearly 26% have impaired fasting glucose or insulin resistance; 11% have diabetes. HormoneSynergy

• Large lifestyle-intervention trials show that moderate weight loss (5–10 %) combined with regular physical activity markedly reduces progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. PMC+1

• Translational programs (e.g. adapting Diabetes Prevention Program models) confirm that structured diet + exercise protocols lower waist circumference, improve lipids, lower blood pressure, and reduce glucose. PubMed

Dr. Retzler’s philosophy is consistent with this evidence—but she adds refinement via deeper diagnostics and hormone/metabolic optimization to accelerate and sustain results.

Dr. Retzler’s Philosophy & Core Principles

Here are the pillars of Dr. Retzler’s approach:

1. Foundational Metabolic Optimization Comes First
   Before layering advanced therapies (e.g. longevity drugs, peptides), she insists that insulin sensitivity, visceral fat, lipid balance, blood pressure, inflammation, and glycemic variability be addressed first. (As she’s written, “fix blood sugar, weight & heart health comes first” before jumping to options like rapamycin.) HormoneSynergy+1

2. Precision & Personalized Diagnostics
   One size never fits all. Dr. Retzler uses advanced testing (DEXA / SECA body-composition scans, continuous glucose monitoring, hormone panels, lipid and oxidative stress markers, vascular imaging) to map each patient’s metabolic terrain. HormoneSynergy

3. Lifestyle as Medicine
   Diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, gut health, and toxin burden are nonnegotiable. These are not “adjuncts”; they are the base upon which other therapies rest.

4. Hormone Optimization in the Context of Metabolic Balance
   Hormones exert powerful metabolic effects. Once the metabolic foundation is strong, hormone balancing (e.g. bioidentical hormones, testosterone, thyroid support) can further optimize insulin sensitivity, body composition, energy, and vitality. HormoneSynergy

5. Strategic Use of Nutraceuticals & Supplementation
   Dr. Retzler leverages her own line (RetzlerRx®) plus targeted practitioner-grade supplements as adjuncts to diet & lifestyle—not as a substitute. Examples include berberine/curcumin blends, omega-3s, magnesium, probiotics, and antioxidants to support metabolic pathways, reduce inflammation, and improve mitochondrial performance. HormoneSynergy

6. Ongoing Monitoring, Iteration & Accountability
   Change is dynamic. Repeat testing, coaching, and adjustment ensure that progress is maintained—and plateaus are managed.

7. Long-Term Perspective & Sustainability
   The goal is not just short-term gains but durable metabolic resilience, reduced disease risk, and optimal healthspan.

Actionable Recommendations for Those Starting the Journey

A. Dietary & Nutrition Strategies

• Aim for a low-glycemic, whole-food diet (emphasis on non-starchy vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, fiber). A paleo-Mediterannean diet is a great start.

• Consider cyclical or moderate carbohydrate restriction (e.g. 30–50 g net carbs on certain days) while avoiding extremes unless indicated.

• Incorporate time-restricted eating (e.g. 12–14 hour overnight fast) where appropriate, guided by your clinician.

• Prioritize protein distribution (20–30 g at each meal) to preserve lean mass and support metabolic rate.

• Use functional food synergies (e.g. cinnamon, berberine-containing foods) as adjuncts within an overall healthy pattern.

B. Movement, Strength & Cardio

• Resistance (strength) training at least 2–3x per week to increase muscle mass, which helps glucose uptake.

• Aerobic activity (e.g. fast walking, cycling, interval training) 150 minutes/week or more, adjusted for individual level.

• Incorporate non-exercise movement (NEAT) — standing breaks, walking, fidgeting, daily chores.

• Monitor with wearables or step goals to maintain consistency.

C. Sleep, Stress & Circadian Health

• Prioritize consistent sleep timing, 7–9 hours, in a dark, cool environment.

• Use stress-reduction practices (breathwork, meditation, HRV biofeedback, gentle yoga) to reduce cortisol and insulin resistance.

• Limit artificial light (especially blue light) in evening; bold exposure to morning daylight to entrain circadian rhythms.

D. Supplement & Nutraceutical Support (to be personalized under physician supervision)

Here are some commonly used supportive compounds (from RetzlerRx® and allied lines) in metabolic health protocols:

These supplements are adjuncts, not substitutes, and should only be used under guidance in the context of labs, safety checks, and monitoring.

E. Hormone & Metabolic Therapy (Under Physician Direction)

• Once metabolic metrics are substantially improved, hormone balancing or bioidentical hormone therapy may be introduced to further optimize insulin sensitivity, energy, body composition, and recovery.

• Use of advanced or adjunctive therapies (e.g. peptides, longevity drugs such as rapamycin) is only considered after the metabolic foundation is strong and risks are minimized. Dr. Retzler writes:

  “If you have blood sugar issues, excess visceral fat, or cholesterol problems, fixing those first is far more important than jumping straight into rapamycin.” HormoneSynergy

How HormoneSynergy Supports You Locally in Portland / Lake Oswego

If you are in Portland, Lake Oswego, or surrounding areas, here’s how HormoneSynergy puts Dr. Retzler’s philosophy into action for our local patients:

• Concierge Longevity Medicine & Metabolic Programs — personalized care with physician oversight and coaching. HormoneSynergy

• Advanced Diagnostics: DEXA & SECA body composition scans, vascular imaging (Cleerly® AI coronary imaging), carotid ultrasound, hormonal & metabolic panels. HormoneSynergy+1

• Weight Loss for Longevity® Program — structured metabolic reset protocol. HormoneSynergy+3HormoneSynergy+3HormoneSynergy+3

• Supplement Support & Pharmacologic Oversight — via RetzlerRx® and clinical-grade formulations. HormoneSynergy

• Coaching, Accountability & Iteration — follow-ups, adjustment, and guidance to stay on track.

Patients in the Portland / Lake Oswego region can meet at our Lake Oswego office (9 Monroe Parkway, Suite 260