Testing the Waters: How Effective is Intermittent Fasting in Remission of Type 2 Diabetes?
Introduction: Fasting Towards Health
A consensus report published in 2021 shed light on remission strategies for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Intermittent fasting (IF) diets have seen a rise in popularity, but studies scrutinizing their potential benefits in diabetes remission were lacking—until now.
Objective: Finding the Sweet Spot
This study's primary goal was to evaluate the impact of IF on diabetes remission and determine how long this remission could last. It's important to note that 'remission' here means maintaining a steady level of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of less than 48 mmol/mol (< 6.5%) for a minimum of 3 months, without any antidiabetic medication.
Methodology: IF vs Traditional Therapies
In this research, individuals with T2D, aged between 38 and 72, were split into two groups. One group was treated with the Chinese Medical Nutrition Therapy (CMNT), a diet based on IF, while the other served as a control group. Primary and secondary outcomes like HbA1c level, fasting blood glucose level, weight, and quality of life were analyzed, along with a 12-month follow-up to check the durability of remission.
Results: Unveiling the Impact
The results? More than 47% of participants in the CMNT group achieved diabetes remission after the 3-month intervention and 3-month follow-up period. This contrasts starkly with just 2.8% in the control group. The CMNT group also saw a notable weight loss and lower medication costs, with remission maintained in 44.4% of participants after the 12-month follow-up.
A Brief on T2D
Type 2 Diabetes is often described as a progressive, life-long disease, often characterized by insulin resistance and increased blood sugar levels. The condition is notorious for its detrimental effects on health and quality of life, as well as the high cost of managing it.
The Possibility of Remission
Despite the common belief that T2D is irreversible, recent evidence suggests remission is possible. Past studies have reported diabetes remission in a significant proportion of participants through energy restriction or lifestyle changes. Recognizing this, the American Diabetes Association in 2021 proposed a new diabetes remission criteria.
The CMNT Diet: A New Dietary Approach
The CMNT diet, based on IF, involves 5 days of fasting followed by 10 days of reintroduction of daily food items. This diet, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and reduced glycemic loads, calories, and carbohydrates, has been the focus of this study.
Conclusion: A Promising Alternative
The study successfully demonstrated the clinical efficacy of the CMNT diet in inducing diabetes remission, highlighting the potential of IF as a promising alternative to traditional methods. Future investigations should focus on further substantiating these findings and addressing long-term sustainability.
Xiao Yang and others, Effect of an Intermittent Calorie-restricted Diet on Type 2 Diabetes Remission: A Randomized Controlled Trial, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 108, Issue 6, June 2023, Pages 1415–1424,
More proof that decades of medical information suggesting that this disease process cannot be cured and instead simply managed with medications alone. . . a falsity; mind you, a diet low in carbohydrates and/or fasting is not an easy process; but neither is losing digits, dying from a heart attack, or ending up on dialysis due to long-standing diabetes killing your kidneys. There is a better way!!!! Jason & Rita.
