CureFAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to commonly asked arterial and metabolic disease questions.
Categories
Click on one of the categories below or type a keyword into the search bar to get started.
Recent FAQs
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). How is it used at the CureCenter?
At The CureCenter, we understand that dealing with diabetes can be an ongoing struggle that comes with a wide range of issues, including…
At The CureCenter, we understand that dealing with insulin resistance, prediabetes and diabetes can be an ongoing struggle that comes with a wide range of issues, including:
Trying to reach A1C goals
Experiencing low blood sugar
Not being able to control highs after eating
Wondering how food is affecting your blood glucose
Find the right medication and dosage if lifestyle optimization needs help
This is why we support Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for our patients with Type 2 Diabetes, prediabetes and those who exhibit chronic inflammation from insulin resistance.
A CGM is a device that continuously measures the levels of glucose in the blood. It works through a small sensor that is inserted through the skin and is connected to a transmitter which sends glucose readings to a receiver or app. It can provide real-time reporting about an individual’s blood-glucose levels.
Insights from these reports make a real difference in the management of our patients with insulin resistance. They help us learn the impact of everyday decisions about diet and exercise and gain insights into the effects of medication changes.
CGM is a very powerful tool to optimally manage and control insulin resistance, one of the most common root causes for arterial disease.
What type of CGM do you use at the CureCenter?
Good News! There are new common sense affordable solutions available to access continuous glucose monitors without a prescription. 2 examples are www.stelo.com and www.hellolingo.com that are available to patients who are not taking insulin.
For less than $50 for 14 days or $100 for 28 days, you can continuously measure your blood glucose response to your food and other behavior choices with a Continuous Glucose Monitor CGM.
You will not need a prescription for this CGM. Your insurance will not cover it. However, it is affordable and the benefits of the data are priceless.
Interested in learning more? Request a complementary Discovery Zoom Call with Dr. Backs to get started.
What is the difference between a CurePlan and the Ornish Reversal Program?
Years ago, after taking advantage of our CureScreen carotid ultrasound to detect plaque, a patient declined our help. He thought our program was similar to the Ornish Reversal Program, in which he had already been participating. This, however, is not true…
Years ago, after taking advantage of our CureScreen carotid ultrasound to detect plaque, a patient declined our help. He thought our program was the same as the Ornish Reversal Program, in which he had already been participating. This, however, is not true.
Over the years, we’ve had at least three patients who have compared our program to Ornish. Two of them chose the CureCenter and have shown measurable improvement. The third completed the Ornish Reversal Program with deterioration in his diabetes control. Turns out a whole food plant based diet can have a lot of starch that turns into sugar. He made an appointment to come back to the CureCenter. Sadly, he passed away in his sleep before his appointment.
Our plan is not the same as the Ornish Reversal Program. We think it is a better alternative for most.
What is the Ornish Reversal Program?
The Ornish Reversal Program improves health through lifestyle modifications that prevent or reverse heart disease. Although, on the surface, it sounds similar to the CureCenter’s program, it doesn’t address the role of sweets, starches, and snacks that can be very dangerous to your health.
What are some differences between this program and the CureCenter’s program?
Below is a list of some major differences in philosophy between the Ornish Reversal Program and the CureCenter’s Cureplan:
CurePlan: Focuses on inflammation as a root cause of atherosclerosis.
Ornish Program: Barely addresses inflammation.
CurePlan: Encourages plant-focused nutrition and consumption of good fats. Limits sweets, starches, and snacking. Promotes Time Restricted Feeding (also known as intermittent fasting). We call it “window feeding.”
Ornish Program: Encourages a diet unrestricted in carbohydrates and low in protein and good fats.
CurePlan: Promotes oral health as a priority for arterial health.
Ornish Program: No mention of the role of oral inflammatory disease - a driver of arterial inflammation and a contributor to as many as 50% of strokes and heart attacks.
CurePlan: Uses genetic testing to personalize your CurePlan.
Ornish Program: No personalization based on genetic testing.
CurePlan: Offers manageable nudges in the direction of simple solutions you can live with and accountability through measurement and feedback. Simple solutions are more sustainable and effective than radical complex solutions. Measurement supports success.
Ornish Program: Requires strict adherence to a vegetarian diet and 72 hours of class attendance that may be difficult to schedule and complete.
The Ornish Program has financial relationships with McDonalds and other manufacturers of highly processed, carbohydrate-rich foods. They sell the root cause of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease, even in their so-called “healthy” options.
The CureCenter interests align with your interest. We both benefit from your longevity and improved quality of life for a long healthy relationship.
The Ornish program is full of activity. Your CurePlan is focused on accomplishment.
You will decide which is a better fit for you and your life.
Click here for further reading on this topic.
Interested in learning more about our CurePlan? Request a complementary Discovery Zoom Call with Dr. Backs to get started.
What are healthy ways to cook and meal prep?
Truly healthy meals consist of whole (unprocessed) foods. The nutrients found in whole foods provide your body with all that it needs to maintain healthy body function and repair itself from illness and injury…
Truly healthy meals consist of whole (unprocessed) foods. The nutrients found in whole foods provide your body with all that it needs to maintain healthy body function and repair itself from illness and injury. How you prepare these foods also has an impact on your body’s response. For example, deep frying vegetables in processed hydrogenated oil is not going to produce a healthy meal.
Start simple: Cook basic meals made from healthy ingredients. Plan your meals around healthy options that are going to realistically fit into your lifestyle and allow you to consistently make good choices. There are many ways to modify recipes to remove bad ingredients and leave in nutrients, while maintaining the same good taste.
Change your mindset: Healthy eating is not about going on a short term diet to drop a few pounds. The idea is to change your relationship with food and how you eat.
Plan ahead: Set yourself up to succeed from the beginning to make healthy choices and not fall into a situation where you are choosing from only bad foods. Make sure you have meals planned out that include healthy options. Start bringing your lunch to work, cook dinner at home. Choose healthy options when you are eating out. Bring your own dressing for salads Formulating a plan ahead of time will help you avoid bad decisions when you are hungry.
What are some healthy ways to modify recipes?
Choose olive oil for cold cooking and coconut oil for hot cooking. Avoid seed oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and others.
Use almond flour in place of wheat based flour. Cauliflower can be cooked and mashed or riced for a potato substitute. Sweet potatoes are healthier than white potatoes. Spaghetti squash is a good substitute for pasta.
What if I don’t have time, resources, or willingness to cook?
Start simple with the resources you have. It may not lead to the most extravagant meals in the beginning, but the health benefits are worth it. Substitute frozen vegetables for canned foods. Empty your pantry and fill your refrigerator and freezer.
Consider meal delivery options, but be careful to do your research.
For those who are experienced in the kitchen, finding healthy recipes and modifying current ones will allow you to cook amazing meals that keep you healthy.
What are some good resources for finding healthy meal options?
This is not an exhaustive list, but includes resources that we have found helpful in discovering healthy recipes:
Recipes:
For Beginners:
For Diabetics:
Other Recipes:
Other Helpful Resources:
Get Started on the Path to a Long and Healthy Life
Participate in a 15-30 minute Zoom or phone call with Dr. Backs. Your questions about process, cost, insurance coverage and expectations will be answered. You will decide together if the CureCenter and a CurePlan are right for you.
Located in Central Illinois? Schedule your 15-minute CureScreen for arterial disease. It’s quick, painless, and is the first step toward preventing the most common cause of death and disability.