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Approximately 10% of Americans have type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar. This disease can result in significant health complications, including heart disease, nerve impairment, and vision problems. A recent study indicates that intermittent fasting can be more effective at controlling blood sugar in individuals that have type 2 diabetes than commonly used diabetes medications.
Intermittent fasting is time-restricted eating and has gained popularity as an alternative weight loss strategy. This method restricts the window of time during which food is consumed, without imposing limits on the quantity or variety of food.
The study, carried out at 9 centers in China, was a randomized clinical trial, aimed at evaluating the impact of an intermittent fasting diet on blood sugar control in people that have type 2 diabetes. There were 405 participants who were divided into 3 groups. The first group followed an intermittent fasting diet plan of 5:2 and had meal replacements, while the remaining two groups took medications for treating type 2 diabetes, either empagliflozin or metformin.
The group that adhered to the intermittent fasting diet of 5:2 also had two fasting days that were non-consecutive per week. During these days they consumed a meal replacement product with calories set at 600 for men and 500 for women. During the other 5 days, participants consumed their normal breakfast and lunch and then changed the dinner meal replacement selection, while keeping track of their overall calorie consumption. During the study, research physicians and nutritionists provided the participants with guidance on diet and exercise and information on diabetes
Over the 16-week trial period, the participants that had followed the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet saw a substantial decrease in hemoglobin levels, an important indicator control of blood sugar. They averaged a loss of 1.9%, which contrasted to 1.5% on empagliflozin and 1.6% on metformin. The study noted substantial weight loss among those that adhered to the fasting diet. An average weight loss of 21 pounds resulted in the 5:2 group, while those in the metformin and empagliflozin groups lost on average 12 pounds and 13 pounds, respectively.
In conclusion, the 5:2 meal replacement approach could be used as a viable tool for people that have type 2 diabetes, possibly serving as an alternative to antidiabetic medications. This method is promising due to its manageable structure, which lets people maintain their regular lifestyle for most of the week while still benefiting from fasting.
The study underscores the potential of intermittent fasting as a practical, non-pharmaceutical approach to controlling type 2 diabetes, providing a flexible method for patients seeking a lifestyle-based approach.
To view the original scientific study click below:
A 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Meal Replacement Diet and Glycemic Control for Adults With Diabetes
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