A groundbreaking study suggests that intermittent fasting could be more effective than standard diabetes medications for managing Type 2 diabetes. Participants who followed a 5:2 intermittent fasting diet—eating normally for five days and drastically reducing calories for two—showed significant improvements in blood sugar levels and substantial weight loss compared to those on metformin or empagliflozin. This approach allows the body to burn stored fat and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially offering a natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments. The findings highlight how dietary changes like intermittent fasting could revolutionize diabetes management by leveraging the body’s natural mechanisms to regulate blood sugar.
Sheramy Tsai from the Epoch Times reports …
A new study published on Friday found that intermittent fasting may regulate blood sugar more efficiently than popular diabetic drugs for persons with Type 2 diabetes. Participants on a 5:2 intermittent fasting diet—eating normally for five days and limiting calories for two—had lower blood sugar levels and lost more weight than those using regular diabetic medications. This shows that dietary adjustments could be an effective way to manage diabetes.
Study Highlights and Key Findings
The EARLY [Exploration of Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Overweight/Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus] research, a randomized clinical trial conducted in nine Chinese hospitals, investigated the effects of an intermittent fasting diet on glycemic control in persons with Type 2 diabetes.
The trial included 405 participants divided into three groups: one followed the 5:2 fasting diet with meal replacements (MR), while the other two either metformin or empagliflozin (drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes).
Those following the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet had two non-consecutive fasting days each week, during which they ate a low-calorie meal replacement product, restricting their consumption to 500 calories for women and 600 calories for men.
On the remaining five days, they ate their usual breakfast and lunch but had a different meal replacement product for dinner while keeping track of their total calorie consumption.
Nutritionists and research physicians provided thorough nutritional and exercise coaching, as well as basic diabetes education, to all participants.
Over 16 weeks, participants on the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet saw a significant decline in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, a critical marker of blood sugar control. The fasting group experienced an average reduction of 1.9%, compared to 1.6% in the metformin group and 1.5% in the empagliflozin group.
The study also found that fasting resulted in significant weight loss. Participants in the 5:2 group dropped 21 pounds on average, compared to 12 pounds in the metformin group and 13 pounds in the empagliflozin group.
According to the research, “the 5:2 MR approach may serve as an effective initial lifestyle intervention instead of antidiabetic drugs for patients with type 2 diabetes.”
Intermittent Fasting and Diabetes
Intermittent fasting has received a lot of interest due to its potential benefits in regulating blood glucose levels, especially for people with Type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Jason Fung, a renowned expert in intermittent fasting and author of “The Diabetes Code,” reducing calorie consumption on specific days helps stabilize blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and lowers the risk of diabetic complications.
Fasting causes your body to lower insulin levels and burn stored fat for energy, so increasing insulin sensitivity. This implies that your cells can better use glucose, lowering overall blood sugar levels. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism discovered that 47 percent of intermittent fasting patients experienced diabetic remission.
“It’s nothing more or less than give your body a break and let it burn off all that energy that you’ve stored away because that’s the natural thing to do if you’ve stored too much,” Dr. Fung said when he spoke at the “Food for Thought 2023: Rising to the challenge of obesity and diabetes” symposium.
Another 2022 study, published in the International Journal of Endocrinology, discovered that intermittent fasting dramatically improves blood glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as insulin resistance, in patients with metabolic syndrome. The meta-analysis revealed decreased fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin levels, and body weight. The study showed that “Intermittent fasting diets have certain therapeutic effects on blood glucose and lipids in patients with metabolic syndrome and significantly improve insulin resistance.”
A Manageable Approach
The 5:2 intermittent fasting strategy has demonstrated promise due to its controllable framework. This method allows people to keep their regular lifestyle for the majority of the week while receiving the benefits of fasting. These studies emphasize intermittent fasting’s potential as a practical, non-pharmaceutical strategy to managing Type 2 diabetes, providing patients with a flexible choice for lifestyle-based therapies.
“Studies performed on people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) have shown that intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss, improvements in glycemic control, and, in some cases, diabetes remission,” Dr. Andrew Demidowich, an endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, told The Epoch Times in an email. “This doesn’t mean that intermittent fasting will work for, or is even safe for everyone with T2D, but this dietary strategy is a promising area of active research.”
Practical Tips for Implementing Intermittent Fasting
Dr. Demidowich provides practical advice and considerations for people interested in attempting the intermittent fasting diet.
- Start Gradually: If you’re new to fasting, ease into it by gradually reducing your calorie intake on fasting days. This can help your body adjust and make the transition smoother.
- Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: On fasting days, focus on eating low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods. The meal replacement products used in the study provided essential nutrients while keeping calorie intake low. You can create similar meals with lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially on fasting days. Hydration helps control hunger and keeps your body functioning optimally.
- Monitor Your Progress: Keep a food diary to track your intake and how you feel after eating. Monitoring your blood sugar levels, weight, and overall health can help you understand how intermittent fasting affects your body.
- Consult a Health Care Professional: Before starting any new diet regimen, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that the diet is safe for you.
Implementing these strategies can make the intermittent fasting diet more doable and effective, allowing you to reap the potential benefits for blood sugar control and overall health.
Previously, GreatGameIndia reported that, according to data collected by Statista three years ago, half of the global supply of diabetes drugs was sold by the US. Despite this, 1.3 million people with diabetes were forced to skip, delay, or minimize their insulin intake.