Team-based lifestyle medicine care for type 2 diabetes in Mississippi

Shared medical visits that empower patients to take control of their health

At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic is advancing a team-based approach to chronic disease care. As the only lifestyle medicine clinic in the state, the program brings nurse practitioners, physicians, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and exercise professionals together in one coordinated setting, reducing barriers and increasing access to comprehensive support.

Here, patients participate in shared medical visits that extend beyond traditional appointments, which improves stigma and self-consciousness often tied to diabetes. Over the course of 90-minute sessions, they explore the “how” and “why” behind type 2 diabetes—learning how to balance their plate, incorporate safe physical activity, manage stress, and improve sleep. In a group environment, individuals often feel more comfortable discussing barriers and setbacks, recognizing that others are facing similar challenges. This shared experience builds confidence, connection, and accountability.

Clinicians emphasize empowerment over prescription alone. Rather than moving from problem to pill, the focus shifts to equipping patients with practical tools they can use daily. The team has observed meaningful improvements in metabolic markers, including substantial reductions in A1c among participants who engage fully in the program. For many, the journey toward improved control—and in some cases medication reduction under medical supervision—is marked not just by clinical progress, but by renewed confidence and community support.