Can intermittent fasting help reverse diabetes? New research reveals

Diabetes is a chronic disease whose main symptoms are high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Also known as the “silent killer”, diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people around the world. In 2021 alone, nearly 537 million people would be living with diabetes worldwide. Fortunately, diabetes is manageable with the right kind of diet and some lifestyle changes. One of these trendy diets lately is intermittent fasting (IF). Could this diet also have a significant impact on reversing diabetes? A new study by researchers in China reveals that there may be a link between the two.

The study was published on December 14, 2022 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The researchers conducted the study on 72 participants between the ages of 38 and 72. Their body mass index (BMI) was between 19 and 30 and the group was predominantly male. Participants were asked to do three months of intermittent fasting (IF), followed by three months of follow-up. According to the results of the study, 47.2% of the participants achieved diabetes remission, that is, they were able to reverse the diabetes. The average body weight of the group also decreased by 5.93 kilograms and one person in the group did not even need diabetes medication.

(Also read: Diet tips for diabetes: 5 herbs and spices that can help manage blood sugar)

_{Diet can play an important role in managing diabetes. Photo: iStock}

What is Intermittent Fasting? All About the IF Diet for Diabetics

Intermittent fasting (IF) is basically a diet that changes your meal times so that the fasting period extends more than the eating period. So you can follow a certain set pattern to eat within a limited time frame and give your body time to digest, rejuvenate and burn calories without accumulating excess food.

Rupali Dutta, a clinical nutritionist, says, “There is a lot of scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of intermittent fastingboth in terms of achieving early weight loss and sustained weight loss. She further adds that the diet can be helpful and not harmful to us. it creates a problem with your metabolism,” she says.

(Also read: Diabetic Diet: 7 Diabetic-Friendly Breakfast Recipes in Under 15 Minutes)

_{Intermittent fasting requires you to be very strict with your meal times. Photo: iStock}

As for intermittent fasting for diabetics, the study has already proven its role in reversing the condition. Rupali Dutta says, “Intermittent fasting has been proven to be effective in controlling excess insulin In the blood.”

How long does intermittent fasting take to lower blood sugar?

Experts generally recommend dieting for at least three months to see its effects. Even the study mentioned above used three months as a period to study the effects of intermittent fasting on diabetic patients. Do not follow any diet blindly and always consult a qualified medical expert or dietitian before making major changes to the diet.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.