Type 2 diabetes is a serious health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence continues to rise. This chronic condition, characterized by high blood glucose levels, can lead to several complications, including blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, and heart disease. While there are several treatment options available for type 2 diabetes, including medications and lifestyle changes, recent research suggests that fasting may be an effective way to prevent and manage the disease. In this article, we’ll explore the latest findings on how fasting can lower the risk markers of type 2 diabetes, and what this means for individuals who are at risk of developing the condition.
A restrictive diet regime that encourages people to eat earlier in the day could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study by Australian researchers. The University of Adelaide and South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute assessed the benefits of two diets on people at risk of developing diabetes: a time-restricted, intermittent fasting diet and a low-calorie diet. The former approach, which entailed eating only between 8am and 12pm on three days per week, was found to result in increased glucose tolerance, improved insulin sensitivity and a greater reduction in blood lipids after six months than the low-calorie diet. Both diets produced similar weight losses. Insulin resistance and the inability to produce insulin in response to blood glucose are key features of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects around 60% of people with the condition, a figure that could be reduced with diet and lifestyle changes. There is no known cure. More than 200 participants were involved in the 18-month study, with the results published in the scientific journal, Nature Medicine. Future research will investigate whether the benefits of the time-restricted diet regimen can be achieved with a longer eating window.
The intermittent fasting diet could provide another tool for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes, according to the senior author of the study, the University of Adelaide’s Professor Leonie Heilbronn. The study’s first author, PhD student Xiao Tong Teong, said the research represented the largest study ever undertaken that assessed the body’s processing of glucose after eating a meal. Such a measurement, he claimed, was a better indicator of diabetes risk than measuring levels while fasting.
The World Health Organisation has estimated that more than 422 million people have diabetes, a number set to double by 2030.
In conclusion, fasting has been shown to have significant benefits when it comes to reducing the risk markers of type 2 diabetes. By limiting caloric intake for extended periods of time, the body is able to better regulate insulin levels and improve glucose metabolism. While further research is necessary to determine the long term effects, it is clear that incorporating intermittent or periodic fasting into your diet can be a powerful tool in managing your health. If you are interested in trying out a fasting diet, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best plan for your needs.
