Diabetes
Patients may be able to take less medication, or even come off prescriptions altogether.
Services · In-clinic IV therapy
Microdose Infusion (MDI)
Microdose infusion therapy uses human bioidentical regular insulin, given intravenously in a pattern that mimics normal pancreatic insulin release. The goal is to support more normal cell function and ATP (cellular energy) production, so organs that aren't fully functioning can move back toward normal.
- IntravenousBioidentical regular insulin
- About 3 hoursPer in-clinic session
- IndividualizedPlan built around your diagnosis
What is MDI good for?
Given proper energy, organs that are less than fully functional can return toward normal function. Every person improves at their own rate.
Generally, the more recent and sudden the onset of a condition, the quicker the response. More chronic conditions may take longer.
Who benefits most from MDI
MDI works at the level of cellular metabolism, so it's used across a range of conditions. These are some of the patients who tend to benefit most.
Chronic kidney disease
Patients may see very significant recovery. Some have even come off a transplant list.
Pulmonary fibrosis
With COVID-related and other fibrotic or restrictive lung conditions, some patients are able to come off supplemental oxygen.
Retinitis pigmentosa
Some types of RP regain or improve vision to a much more functional level.
ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease
Most show stabilization and reversal of motor loss progression, and some show regression.
Liver cirrhosis & fibrosis
Most show improvement in liver function and in FibroScan results.
Fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue
Most regain stamina, endurance, and a sense of normalcy over time.
Many other metabolic conditions
Many conditions show metabolic improvement over time as cellular function returns toward normal, including poorly healing wounds, dementia, chronic skin problems, and immune dysfunction.
See the science behind MDI
Dr. Gerstenberg highly recommends this 20-minute video. It explains how MDI works and walks through many case presentations, with graphs and photos.
How often are MDI sessions?
When starting or restarting, MDI is most commonly recommended 3 to 4 times weekly for 2–3 weeks, then 2–3 times per week for 2–4 weeks, then 1–2 times per week for 4–6 weeks, then once a week until your condition is stabilized.
This is only a guide. Each treatment plan is highly individualized based on your medical needs at the time.
Example 12-week plan For demonstration only. Your plan may vary.
- Week 13–4
- Week 23–4
- Week 33
- Week 42
- Week 52
- Week 62
- Week 72
- Week 82
- Week 91
- Week 101
- Week 111
- Week 121
Sessions per week · ongoing as each patient needs
How should I expect to feel?
Improvement builds over time. Here's what patients commonly report from the first session onward.
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During therapy
You should expect to feel normal. Patients often feel a resurgence of blood flow where it has been lacking, and some sleep during therapy. Some experience temporary diarrhea from drinking so much glucose solution; over-the-counter medication may be used. Some patients are even more active than normal afterward.
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After a session
Some patients crave carbohydrates due to their body's production of insulin. It's fine to eat carbohydrates when this happens, but blood sugar should be monitored. Most patients report a very sound night of sleep as the therapy reestablishes the circadian rhythm of blood pressures.
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After several weeks
Patients may feel progressively better with each session and may begin to see some improvement in complications of diabetes.
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After three months
Patients may continue to feel better, with less daily fatigue, return of lost sexual function, return of eyesight, return of feeling in the feet, and reduced diabetes-related depression. Wounds may begin to heal.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call us at 409.210.3336.
Why is microdose insulin therapy referred to as a type of artificial pancreas?
Microdose insulin therapy is administered through a specially designed and programmed device that mimics the pancreas of a healthy young person consuming carbohydrates (e.g., sugar) by sending insulin to the liver. Insulin delivery to the liver activates at least 33 different enzymes the body needs to metabolize carbohydrates, function efficiently, and eliminate the diabetes/inflammatory process.
The body produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for cellular functions, and increased levels of ATP are produced when carbohydrates are metabolized. Most type 2 diabetics suffer from inadequate production of the enzymes needed for proper metabolism because their liver isn't receiving sufficient insulin from the pancreas. The core problem of diabetes is improper cellular metabolism; high blood sugar is a symptom of that core problem.
How does microdose insulin therapy differ from subcutaneous (wearable) insulin pumps?
Subcutaneous insulin pumps, even those programmed to deliver small doses of insulin, cannot achieve the results of our device. Insulin delivered under the skin is blunted by the time it reaches the liver, which then obstructs the liver's production of the enzymes needed for proper metabolism.
Our device delivers appropriate microdoses of insulin intravenously, reaching the liver within 4 seconds of delivery, so the liver can produce and excrete the enzymes needed for proper metabolism.
Why does the body need to metabolize carbohydrates?
Metabolizing carbohydrates increases ATP production, which produces cellular energy as a byproduct. When the body can't metabolize carbohydrates, it shifts its dependence to unbalanced forms of energy production, such as metabolizing fats and proteins. Increased metabolism of lipids (free fatty acids) causes an inflammatory process that damages the body's tissues and organs and increases cellular demand for oxygen.
An inability to metabolize carbohydrates often leaves cells unable to perform their functions effectively. Depending on genetic predispositions, this leads to complications from diabetes, such as issues with nerves, kidneys, heart, vision, and/or blood pressure. Metabolizing carbohydrates reduces lipids and inflammation, which helps mitigate these problems.
How long does the administration of microdose insulin therapy last?
Microdose insulin therapy administered through our device in the clinic typically involves three one-hour sessions.
What is the frequency of microdose insulin therapies?
Patients usually receive microdose insulin therapy every seven to ten days, though some prefer to receive it at intervals of two weeks or more. The frequency and dosage become regular once the body's metabolism has stabilized after three to six months of continuous therapy. See How often are MDI sessions? above for a typical starting schedule.
What should I do before receiving microdose insulin therapy?
- Continue all normal routines and medications, whether or not they relate to diabetes, before your scheduled therapy date.
- Arrive for therapy with a high blood sugar level (150–180 mg/dL).
- Do not take any diabetic medication on your therapy date unless your blood sugar is over 350 mg/dL. If it is, limit the medication to half your usual dose.
- Eat a small breakfast that is high in carbohydrates and low in fat on your therapy date.
- Prepare and bring a meal to eat after the therapy.
- Afterward, periodically monitor your blood sugar and engage in light exercise.
Do I continue to see my current doctor during microdose insulin therapy?
Yes. Patients receiving microdose insulin therapy should continue to see their current doctor and follow their recommendations between therapy sessions. Continue taking medications as prescribed, including insulin, except on scheduled therapy dates.
How long do I continue therapy?
At a minimum, you should continue microdose insulin therapy until all of the serious complications of diabetes have ended and/or reversed. At that point, therapy may be reduced or stopped. Therapy can resume if complications return.
How much does MDI cost?
We offer MDI as part of our personalized care plans. Pricing and packages vary from patient to patient. It’s not one-size-fits-all: your provider will recommend a plan after your consultation, and we’ll go over pricing with you before you commit to anything.
Call 409.210.3336 to schedule a consultation and receive your personalized care plan.
Find out if MDI is right for you
Meet with one of our Doctors in person at our Port Neches clinic to review your health history and receive a personalized care plan.