Intermittent Dieting Plan Improves Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients, According to Study

Intermittent fasting, a popular weight loss approach, may also help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.

According to a study published in the journal Jama Network, adhering to a specific intermittent fasting regimen, such as the 5:2 intermittent fasting strategy plus a meal replacement diet, may assist improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

The 5:2 diet involves eating ordinary meals for 5 days and limiting caloric intake on fasting days to 500-600 calories per day.

For the study, researchers examined 405 persons in China who were obese or overweight and had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the previous year. Participants were randomly assigned to either metformin, empagliflozin, or a 5:2 meal replacement regimen for 16 weeks.

On two days per week, participants in the 5:2 meal replacement plan eat one meal made up of prepared foods or liquids instead of three conventional meals. On the other days, they can eat anything they want for breakfast and lunch, but they should limit their calorie intake and consume a meal replacement for evening.

Every four weeks, all participants got assistance on exercise, food, and diabetes education.

During the trial, those who followed the 5:2 meal replacement plan had the greatest decrease in average HbA1C blood glucose levels, as well as better weight loss and a significant reduction in waist and hip circumference compared to the other groups.

“In this randomized clinical trial of 405 adults, the 5:2 meal replacement approach achieved better glycemic control at 16 weeks compared with metformin and empagliflozin,” the researchers wrote in the study.

“We discovered that among Chinese adults with overweight or obesity and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, the 5:2 MR approach resulted in significant improvements in glycemic control and weight loss over a 16-week period, while also improving blood pressure, triglyceride, and HDL-C levels.” As a result, 5:2 MR may be a more effective initial lifestyle intervention than antidiabetic medications for early-stage type 2 diabetes,” the researchers concluded.

Based on their findings, the research team recommends further inquiry to determine the extra benefits of combining the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet with the meal replacement strategy.