Intermittent Fasting Can Help People with Type 2 Diabetes Lose Weight and Control Their Blood Sugar Levels

Today, 1 in 10 U.S. residents has diabetes, and that number is expected to rise to 1 in 3 by 2050 if current trends continue, the researchers explain. Finding more options for controlling weight and blood sugar levels for these patients, therefore, is crucial.

Time-restricted eating, also known as intermittent fasting, can help people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight and control their blood sugar levels, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open from researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Participants who ate only during an eight-hour window between noon and 8 p.m. each day actually lost more weight over six months than participants who were instructed to reduce their calorie intake by 25%. Both groups had similar reductions in long-term blood sugar levels, as measured by a test of hemoglobin A1C, which shows blood sugar levels over the past three months.

The study enrolled 75 participants into three groups: those who followed the time-restricted eating rules, those who reduced calories and a control group. 

“Our study shows that time-restricted eating might be an effective alternative to traditional dieting for people who can’t do the traditional diet or are burned out on it,” said Varady, a professor of kinesiology and nutrition. “For many people trying to lose weight, counting time is easier than counting calories.”

There were no serious adverse events reported during the six-month study. 

Just over half the participants in the study were Black and another 40% were Hispanic. This is notable as diabetes is particularly prevalent among those groups, so having studies that document the success of time-restricted eating for them is particularly useful, the researchers said.

The study was small and should be followed up by larger ones, said Varady, who is also a member of the University of Illinois Cancer Center. While it acts as a proof of concept to show that time-restricted eating is safe for those with Type 2 diabetes, Varady said people with diabetes should consult their doctors before starting this sort of diet.

Sources:

Vasiliki Pavlou, Sofia Cienfuegos, Shuhao Lin, Mark Ezpeleta, Kathleen Ready, Sarah Corapi, Jackie Wu, Jason Lopez, Kelsey Gabel, Lisa Tussing-Humphreys, Vanessa M. Oddo, Shaina J. Alexandria, Julienne Sanchez, Terry Unterman, Lisa S. Chow, Alaina P. Vidmar, Krista A. Varady. Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Weight Loss in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA Network Open, 2023; 6 (10): e2339337 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.39337

University of Illinois Chicago. “Intermittent fasting is safe, effective for those with Type 2 diabetes, study suggests.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 October 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231027165901.htm>.

Materials provided by University of Illinois Chicago. Original written by Emily Stone. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

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Photo by Tim Wildsmith

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