Metabolic Health Care With Time for a Thorough Assessment

Your weight, blood sugar, medications and medical history can reveal different parts of your metabolic health. A useful assessment considers them together and explains which findings matter for your treatment.

At SustainMD, I evaluate metabolic concerns and develop a personalized plan informed by your history and relevant testing. I am Allison Pope Barbee, MD, a board-certified Family Medicine physician with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and metabolic health.

What we assess in metabolic care

The assessment includes your weight history, previous treatment, current medicines and existing laboratory results. We consider concerns such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, thyroid-related symptoms and weight regain within that broader picture.

I also take account of nutrition, activity, sleep and hormonal history. These help guide the evaluation without assuming that every change in weight or energy has the same explanation.

What insulin resistance and prediabetes mean

Insulin resistance means the body's cells respond less effectively to insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood glucose. Prediabetes means blood glucose is above the usual range but below the range used to diagnose diabetes.

These conditions often occur without obvious symptoms. An afternoon energy dip, hunger or difficulty losing weight does not by itself establish either condition.

I review your risk factors, medical history and relevant results, then explain whether further evaluation is appropriate. Blood glucose testing can help assess prediabetes; it is not the same as a direct test proving insulin resistance.

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How testing is personalized

Lab evaluation is selected according to your history, existing results and clinical concerns. Relevant metabolic, hormonal or micronutrient testing may be considered when it could inform care.

I explain the purpose of recommended testing and interpret the findings in context. A result is one part of the assessment, and everyone does not receive the same panel.

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What treatment may involve

Treatment may include nutrition and physical activity recommendations, management of relevant metabolic concerns and FDA-approved anti-obesity medication when appropriate. We discuss your options and review treatment response over time.

If you have diabetes or another condition managed by a specialist, I consider how it affects your metabolic care and coordinate with that clinician. I do not automatically take over their prescribing or ongoing disease management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diagnosis before contacting SustainMD?

No. You can seek an assessment for an unresolved concern about your weight or metabolic health.

Can symptoms tell me whether I have insulin resistance?

Not reliably. Insulin resistance often occurs without obvious symptoms. I assess your medical history, risk factors and relevant test results rather than diagnosing it from symptoms alone.

Does everyone receive the same lab panel?

No. Lab evaluation is personalized to your medical history, existing results and clinical concerns.

Does weight gain mean my thyroid is underactive?

No. Thyroid disease is one possible contributor, but weight gain alone does not identify the cause. Relevant history and testing guide the assessment.

Can I bring results from another clinician?

Yes. Existing results provide useful information and may help avoid unnecessary repeat testing.

Can you help if I have regained weight?

Yes. We can review the earlier approach, your response and the factors that may affect your current treatment needs.

Will medication be part of my plan?

It may be appropriate, but it is not automatic. We discuss medication within a broader plan that also considers nutrition, activity and relevant health conditions.

Will you replace my endocrinologist or other specialist?

No. I work alongside your existing clinicians and coordinate care where appropriate. Specialist treatment continues with the clinician managing it.

Are laboratory charges included?

My interpretation is included in physician care, while testing is billed separately. See testing and payment options.

Where can I receive care?

Virtual care is available in North Carolina, California, Florida and Maine. In-person appointments are available on Tuesdays. See appointment availability.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How to begin care

The initial consultation provides a comprehensive assessment and written plan. Optional membership supports ongoing follow-up and treatment review.

What care costs

Initial Consultation

$500for two extended visits.

Signature Care Membership

$200per month for optional ongoing care.

The consultation fee is separate and is not credited toward membership. See full pricing and payment details.