Transforming T1D Care with Functional Medicine

Have you ever left your healthcare provider’s office feeling like more could have been asked—or answered? If so, you’re not alone, and you might benefit from exploring functional medicine with Claudia Maltby at New Life Functional Health (newlifefunctionalhealth.com).

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Claudia, a seasoned medical professional and functional medicine practitioner who has lived with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) for over 35 years. She has combined her professional expertise and personal journey to create a functional medicine practice that supports people with T1D in improving their health in addition to traditional medical care. She also has a diabetic alert dog who alerts her when her blood sugar is too low or too high. Her insight is a welcome addition to Diabetes Made Visible.? Before delving into our conversation, I will provide some background on Functional Medicine.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness. Unlike conventional medicine, which often targets symptoms, functional medicine considers the complete picture of an individual's health, including but not limited to:

• Nutrition
• Sleep?
• Exercise and movement
• Stress management
• Mental and emotional well-being

Functional medicine practitioners rely on in-depth testing, natural solutions, and collaborative client relationships to co-create tailored health plans. Maltby says,

Functional medicine is about truly listening to the patient’s story, understanding their unique health journey, and using cutting-edge tools to uncover the underlying imbalances driving their symptoms.

Functional Medicine in the United States

This evidence-based approach has gained significant traction, with the number of functional medicine practitioners in the United States increasing from just under 5,000 in 2010 to over 40,000 in 2020, as people experience growing dissatisfaction with a “sickness” rather than “wellness” model of healthcare. In 2016, the AMA found that functional medicine resulted in significant improvements for people living with Type 2 diabetes.? The Cleveland Clinic established the first dedicated functional medicine program in the United States in 2014, underscoring its growing credibility.

Functional Medicine for Type 1 Diabetes

For people living with Type 1 diabetes, functional medicine doesn’t offer a cure—but it provides a holistic approach to improving aspects of the disease. Maltby emphasizes that T1D requires insulin, the essential treatment prescribed by conventional medicine that Type 1’s cannot live without. However, functional medicine complements this by addressing factors like:

• Optimizing insulin sensitivity
• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
• Improving gut health
• Enhancing mental well-being

Maltby’s packages include one-on-one coaching, group support options, and comprehensive health plans that address her clients' unique challenges. Her five-month package, for instance, provides over 10 hours of personalized sessions, additional support from a behavioral health coach, and actionable strategies for long-term health optimization.

As someone who has lived with T1D for decades, I understand the physical, emotional, and mental toll it can take. My goal is to empower clients to take control of their health while working alongside their medical team.

The Gut Microbiome

Maltby highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health, particularly for those with T1D. Research shows that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune function, and even insulin sensitivity. According to a study by Shreiner, Kao, and Young (2016), “The gut microbiome can generate nutrients from substrates that are otherwise indigestible by the host, significantly impacting metabolic health.”

Addressing imbalances in gut health through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes can profoundly affect blood sugar regulation and systemic inflammation.

Why Choose Functional Medicine

Functional medicine can benefit individuals seeking to explore root causes of chronic health issues that conventional medicine may overlook. It’s an investment in time and money that can lead to transformative results. Maltby acknowledges that this approach isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to commit, it provides a level of care and personalization rarely found in traditional healthcare. As Malby writes,

Functional medicine isn’t a replacement for conventional care—it’s an enhancement. It allows us to look deeper, listen more closely, and create a plan that fits the individual, not just the disease.

Outside Interests

In addition to her functional medicine practice, Maltby is a medical writer with a book underway and is a vocal advocate for integrating functional medicine into diabetes care. To learn more about her services and programs, visit her website: https://newlifefunctionalhealth.com/

Addressing imbalances in gut health through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes can profoundly affect blood sugar regulation and systemic inflammation.