Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post asserts that a structured diet, proper analysis, and continued monitoring may help maintain a HbA1c of 6.0% or lower, thus eliminating the intake of medications for diabetes. After verifying the facts, we found that the claim is mostly false.
The Claim
A post by the user Revise Diet on Threads suggests that replacing glycemic control medicines with a structured diet, regular reporting, and monitoring may help eliminate the need for them. Additionally, we found that one of the related posts places a strong focus on the employment of functional medicine as a cure for chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
We have been systematically providing evidence-based information about specific dietary decisions and diabetes. Among these are konjac noodles, grapes, and guava.
Fact Check
What does ‘functional medicine’ actually mean?
The core concept of the functional medicine (FM) approach is the concept of reversibility of modified function. The unique medication regimen in FM involves customised treatments tailored to an individual’s lifestyle, environment, diet, social structure, behaviour, and genes underlining the interaction between these factors and their effect on health outcomes. FM is associated with primary preventive measures aimed at determining the underlying causes. In other words, it doesn’t merely treat the symptoms; it addresses the root causes.
FM employs a systems biology heuristic to provide root-cause-focused healthcare instead of a set of prescribed treatment regimens. This approach highlights a measurable and teachable process of integrating several knowledge bases into a useful intellectual matrix that aims at multiple levels, rather than solely concentrating on one treatment for a specific illness.
The pillars that constitute the foundation of the Functional Medicine paradigm include the interdependence of form and function, which leads to observation of every facet of life from their perspective. Additionally, functional systems theory (FSM) is predicated on the matrix of hemodynamic interactions, and thus, it may be used at all organisational levels.
This treatment modality employs a comprehensive strategy that incorporates clinical indications and symptoms, disease identification, and evidence of clinical imbalances, all while using the patient’s story as a crucial tool. This open communication with the patient helps in detecting and treatment planning that progressively restore both the patient’s physiological function and the imbalances brought on by external factors.
The hallmarks of FM include the interplay between genes and environment, the interaction of an individual’s organ systems, the conversion of dietary, environmental, lifestyle, and social influences into clinical phenotypes, the need for a multimodal approach to manage symptoms, distinctive patient needs, and the contextualization of an individual’s health issues through time and relationship perspectives.
The foundation of the functional medicine model is made up of these characteristics, which encompass six physiological processes: communications along structural integrity, bioenergetics, defence and repair, absorption, transport, and regulation.
Consequently, based on the formalism of the FM Model, an evidence-based strategy is established that may be utilised for the care of patients with complicated chronic illnesses and evaluation findings.
What does ‘structured diet’ mean in the context of functional medicine?
An intentionally designed eating schedule is referred to as a structured diet. This constitutes an integral component of the FM model. This diet type usually includes portion sizes, balanced nutrition, and controlled eating times to accomplish certain health objectives.
An intentionally designed eating schedule is referred to as a structured diet. This constitutes an integral component of the FM model. This diet type usually includes portion sizes, balanced nutrition, and controlled eating times to accomplish certain health objectives.
It should be highlighted that a well-planned diet has an impact on the body’s usual structure and functions. Ultimately, it helps regulate blood sugar, supports overall metabolic health, and facilitates weight management.
When discussing the dietary facets of functional medicine, it is imperative to include functional nutrition. The study of bioactive food molecules, or nutraceuticals, and their application in the treatment of complicated disorders at prescribed dosages is known as Functional nutrition. Utilising functional nutrition is one way to try to undo the biochemical and metabolic alterations brought on by the illness. This domain makes use of bioactive components such as probiotics, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, this crucial area of functional medicine examines how food affects genes and their functions to investigate the molecular significance of nutrition.
As a result, it is critical to highlight that keeping track of calories is not just a part of eating a regular diet; rather, it is crucial for preserving optimal health since it addresses shortfalls or imbalances that might cause disease.
Can diabetes be cured with functional medicine?
No. It is noteworthy that lifestyle modifications are a major focus of functional medicine in the management of type 2 diabetes. These lifestyle modifications primarily consist of stress management, weight control, appropriate physical exercise, and nutrition modification. All of these changes may result in a significant improvement in the condition of a type 2 person with diabetes. In cases of efficient utilisation, FM may occasionally lead to the condition’s reversal. Functional medicine, in conjunction with adjuvant therapies and specific supplements, may optimise these outcomes.
When it comes to type 1 diabetes, FM’s primary objectives are to minimise complications and improve quality of life. This is because, while Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness, prescribed insulin therapy is still required. Moreover, we were unable to find any compelling data supporting the application of functional medicine to the management of type 1 diabetes.
However, by implementing a healthy diet and lifestyle adjustments, FM may be able to assist with recognising the autoimmune triggers of the disease, controlling inflammation, and offering overall support. Additionally, complementary therapies like yoga may be more beneficial.
When we asked whether functional medicine might cure diabetes, Dr. Ritesh Bansal, the founder and senior consultant diabetologist at Saroj Diabetes & Research Centre in Delhi, responded that although it might be able to address the disease’s underlying causes, there is presently no established cure for the illness. This methodology’s all-encompassing approach may make it useful for managing type 2 diabetes; however, it is ineffective for addressing type 1 diabetes. Therefore, he suggests that one should get medical advice from a doctor to ensure proper therapy.
Therefore, FM may present opportunities for managing Type 2 diabetes, possibly even reversing it in certain situations; however, its usefulness may be confined to improving health and enhancing Type 1 diabetic care.
Is functional medicine a viable alternative to anti-diabetic medications?
No, not right away. Functional medicine employs a comprehensive approach to address chronic illnesses. By encouraging dietary adjustments, lifestyle adjustments, and even adjuvant medicines, it places a strong emphasis on determining the underlying reason. FM, however, is not a substitute for anti-diabetic medications. Alternatively, it might be employed as an adjunctive therapeutic approach.
It is crucial to remember that all medications—including those intended to treat diabetes—are designed specifically to address that particular condition. To guarantee their effectiveness and safety, they have undergone comprehensive clinical testing as well.
On asking, Dr. Ritesh Bansal explained that while functional medicine may improve quality of life by addressing the underlying causes of persistent medical conditions, it cannot be thought of as a useful substitute for diabetes medicines. Therefore, functional medicine may be a useful addition that helps lower the need for large quantities of medication. Thus, Sir advises that you speak with your doctor prior to implementing functional medicine into the course of treatment.
While FM therapies appear promising, there may not be enough evidence to suggest them as a substitute for anti-diabetic medications.
Is there a cure for Diabetes?
No, not for now. As of right now, diabetes cannot be cured, and stating as much is punishable under the the Drugs and Magic Remedies of 1954.
It is crucial to remember that this fact check clarifies functional medicine’s limitations in managing the multifaceted condition without lessening its significance.
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