A recent study from the University of Illinois Chicago, published in JAMA Network Open, reveals that intermittent fasting, or time-restricted eating, can be a powerful tool for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
This approach not only aids in weight loss but also effectively controls blood sugar levels.
Time-Restricted Eating vs. Calorie Reduction
The study enrolled 75 participants who were divided into three groups: a time-restricted eating group, a calorie-reduction group, and a control group.
The time-restricted group, which ate only between noon and 8 p.m., showed more significant weight loss over six months compared to those who reduced their calorie intake by 25%.
Interestingly, both groups demonstrated similar improvements in long-term blood sugar control, as indicated by hemoglobin A1C levels.
Ease of Following the Regimen
Senior author Krista Varady noted that participants found the time-restricted eating approach easier to adhere to compared to traditional calorie reduction.
This ease may be due to the fact that many patients with diabetes have previously struggled with calorie-restricted diets as typically recommended by healthcare professionals.
Intriguingly, although not instructed to cut calories, the time-restricted group naturally consumed fewer calories by eating within a fixed window.
Safety and Effectiveness
The six-month study reported no serious adverse events. Instances of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were comparable across all groups, indicating the safety of this dietary approach for people with diabetes.
This study is particularly significant as it included a diverse participant pool, with over half being Black and 40% Hispanic.
Given the higher prevalence of diabetes in these communities, the study’s findings are especially relevant and useful.
Future Research and Considerations
While the study serves as a promising proof of concept for the safety and effectiveness of time-restricted eating in managing Type 2 diabetes, author Krista Varady emphasizes the need for larger follow-up studies.
She also advises individuals with diabetes to consult their doctors before starting an intermittent fasting regimen.
In conclusion, this study presents time-restricted eating as a viable, and perhaps more manageable, alternative to traditional calorie-restricted diets for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a compelling option for weight and blood sugar management in a disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that not all whole grain foods could benefit people with type 2 diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about unhealthy plant-based diets linked to metabolic syndrome, and results showing Mediterranean diet could help reduce the diabetes risk by one third.
The research findings can be found in JAMA Network Open.
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