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Major Public Health Study Validates Functional Medicine Approach to Treating Chronic Conditions

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Updated on: September 5, 2023

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. September, 5, 2023 The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) welcomes results of a major new public health study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, showing that intensive lifestyle interventions to prevent the progression and complications of type 2 diabetes not only improves diabetes management and physical function, but was also associated with higher levels of employment as a result of improved health, enabling patients to remain in the workforce longer. 

“These results validate functional medicine’s comprehensive, evidence-based approach to patient care, including intensive lifestyle changes,” said Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, IFM chief executive officer. “The study shows that including lifestyle changes in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as is done by functional medicine practitioners, not only benefits individual patients, but the wider society as well.” 

The JAMA Internal Medicine paper provides further evidence that functional medicine delivers results for chronic disease sufferers, such as those with type 2 diabetes. In particular, intensive lifestyle interventions — which include nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress reduction, and interpersonal connection — can provide a foundation for optimal health and well-being. 

Functional medicine is a vital partner to conventional medicine. By seeking out root causes and treating them with evidence-based, clinically verified methods, a functional medicine approach — paired with conventional medical care — results in improved health outcomes, reduced costs over time, and a greater overall patient experience. 

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