In a new study, researchers found that intermittent fasting may help prevent type 2 diabetes.
They found that every-other-day fasting could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes from a fat-rich diet.
The research was conducted by a team from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke.
Previous research has shown that a fatty liver promotes the development of type 2 diabetes and that intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity by reducing liver fat.
However, little is known about the formation of fat cells in the pancreas during obesity and whether intermittent fasting can prevent a fatty pancreas.
In the new study, the team fed one group of mice at a high risk of type 2 diabetes with a high-fat diet.
These mice were subjected to food restriction every other day (intermittent fasting).
The team found that intermittent fasting reduced pancreatic fat and lowered blood sugar levels.
The finding suggests that periodic fasting may help reduce fat accumulation in the pancreas and, in turn, prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
The team says that the elevated insulin secretion can initiate a more rapid loss of function and finally islet cell death.
This loss of function ultimately contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, but intermittent fasting can prevent fat accumulation.
The new study may reveal a new way in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
The lead author of the study is Dr. Mandy Stadion, a post-doctoral research fellow.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior in Utrecht, Netherlands.
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