This interview is with Dr. Jonathan Spages, Doctor, Author at Advanced Natural Health Center.

Dr. Jonathan Spages, Doctor, Author, Advanced Natural Health Center

Dr. Jonathan, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey to becoming an expert in Type II Diabetes?

I have been reversing diabetes for over 20 years with a 98% success rate of helping diabetics lessen and eliminate medication.

What initially sparked your interest in helping patients reverse Type II Diabetes and eliminate medication?

When I first heard that diabetes could be reversed, I thought it was a complete scam. My skepticism stemmed from the fact that my grandmother passed away at an early age from diabetes. A close friend insisted it was possible, and although I remained doubtful, I was open-minded enough to investigate further. That's when I discovered functional medicine.

My interest was piqued because my grandmother had followed all the traditional medical advice—taking medication after medication, changing her diet, and trying to lose weight—yet none of it worked. In the end, I watched her suffer through repeated cycles of heart attacks and strokes, all while being bombarded with insulin. She was confined to a couch for over two years before passing away prematurely.

At the time, I was about 18 years old, and I made a promise to myself: if I could help prevent even one person from suffering the way my grandmother did, I would dedicate myself to that mission. And that's why I've been committed to this work for over 20 years.

You mentioned a 98% success rate in reducing medication for your Type II Diabetic patients. What's one key takeaway from these successes that other healthcare professionals could implement in their practice?

I believe the biggest difference lies in the strategy. Traditional practitioners, whether they follow natural or allopathic medicine, are typically trained to focus on treating symptoms rather than understanding what’s truly causing those symptoms, such as high blood sugar levels or weight issues. In my practice, 90% of our focus is on uncovering why the person is sick, rather than just addressing that they are sick. This is what we refer to as a root-cause approach.

You emphasize the importance of both medication and addressing root imbalances with vitamins and supplements. Can you share a memorable example of how this two-pronged approach led to a significant improvement in a patient's life?

I see examples every day where this approach makes a significant difference. When someone comes to me with diabetes and a broken metabolism, it's crucial that they continue taking their prescribed medications from their doctor while addressing the immediate issues, or as I say, 'putting out the fires.' At the same time, we work on tackling both the symptoms (the smoke) and the underlying causes (the fire). This combined approach is what truly transforms their life.

You've mentioned that rigid diets often fail in the long run. What strategies do you recommend for helping patients develop sustainable, healthy eating habits that work with their metabolism and address inflammation?

This all comes back to strategy. The first step in anyone's care is to address the immediate issues with a more restrictive, non-inflammatory diet. Once those 'fires' are under control and manageable, a balanced diet consisting of meats, fruits, and vegetables should be enough to sustain their health.

It’s common to see foods in stores labeled as 'healthy,' but many are actually highly inflammatory and may not be suitable for the person at that time. I had a patient who had a severe reaction to pork. It didn’t matter what type of pork they ate; every time, their blood sugar would spike, and they would have a negative reaction. When the patient informed their doctor, the doctor dismissed the concern, stating, 'Pork can't do that; there are no carbs or sugar in pork.' My patient could only roll their eyes, frustrated by their provider's limited understanding. For her, pork was like adding gasoline to the fire, so it had to be eliminated from her diet.

In your book, "The Wellness Approach," you discuss five often-overlooked factors in healthcare. Could you elaborate on one of these factors and provide an actionable tip readers can use to improve their well-being?

I believe one of the most overlooked areas in health is the nervous system. Our nerves literally control everything in our body. In my book, I use the example of former Superman actor Christopher Reeve. When Reeve suffered a spinal injury, it caused his heart and lungs to stop functioning properly, and his legs became paralyzed. But if we think about it, Reeve didn’t actually injure his heart, lungs, or legs—he only injured his neck. That injury, however, completely disrupted his nervous system, which is why his body couldn’t function properly.

Now, while his was a complete spinal injury, imagine if there’s just a 1% impairment in the nervous system. Even that slight misalignment can affect a person’s overall health. So, even if I provide someone with the best diet and the finest supplements, if their organs aren’t receiving the proper signals from the brain, those treatments will be less effective. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of healthcare.

How has your 60-video training series for patients impacted their understanding of Type II Diabetes and their ability to manage their condition effectively?

What I've noticed over the years is that there's a lot of misinformation out there. I've found that if I can help someone learn the right approach and strategy to address their root-cause issues, they become empowered to make better decisions and see long-term results. I follow the philosophy of 'teaching them to fish' instead of fishing for them. By the end of their care in my office, my goal is for them not to need me anymore. They're taking fewer medications, losing weight, feeling better, and they're happier overall. I want them to live their lives—play with their grandkids, take vacations, and do all the things a healthy person should do.

That said, the majority of my patients don't leave, even when they no longer need me. Honestly, I love it and am truly honored. I believe the training they receive during their care makes a big difference. When people learn the hidden tools for staying healthy, they know how to heal themselves and enjoy a better quality of life.

You offer a 24-hour live chat option for your patients. Can you share a specific instance where this accessibility made a real difference in a patient's health journey?

One common scenario I see in my office is that as a patient's health improves, we often need to send them back to their doctor to reduce their medications. For instance, with diabetics, we don't want their fasting blood glucose to drop below 85, which happens frequently in my practice. The irony is that we're not even directly treating their blood sugar; instead, we're removing the barriers preventing their body from regulating it naturally. This approach is entirely different from traditional medicine.

Having 24-hour communication with patients allows us to ensure they receive the right care at the right time. Since many patients have never reversed their diabetes or addressed the root causes of their issues before, they often have questions. While our thorough training answers most of these questions in advance, there are definitely special cases that require attention, and patients really appreciate having that support.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the future of Type II Diabetes treatment and prevention?

One of the best improvements in recent years is the speed of communication between patients and providers. While I don't believe the standard diabetes treatment or prevention strategies will make significant progress, tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and related apps can help people manage their condition more effectively. However, these tools still don't address the root causes that are specific to each individual.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for allowing me to share my experience and frustrations with the type of care diabetics often receive in our country. When I meet a diabetic who has been struggling for over 10 years and has taken more than 6,000 medications yet is still sick—or even worse off—I can't help but hope for a better approach in the future. The method I use, which focuses on addressing root-cause issues, is something I hope will one day become more mainstream and accepted by our healthcare system.