How to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Using Intermittent Fasting?

According to a new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, intermittent fasting (IF) may possibly reverse type 2 diabetes (T2D) or put patients into remission.

Intermittent fasting has become quite popular in recent years, mostly for its weight loss benefits. It's a type of eating strategy in which you alternate between fixed periods of eating and fasting.

Studies have found that intermittent fasting not only aids in weight loss but helps fight inflammation and promotes a healthier, longer life too.

Recently, researchers in China found that 47.2% of diabetics no longer had type 2 diabetes after three months of intermittent fasting.

---

Intermittent fasting and type 2 diabetes remission

Intermittent fasting is an eating strategy in which you alternate between fixed periods of eating and fasting. (Photo via Pexels/Johnny Willz)

So far, there has been very little research that has shown the benefits of intermittent fasting for diabetes reversal. Now, though, researchers believe that the findings from the new study are significant and can potentially help people.

What's the new study all about?

In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), researchers found that a type of intermittent fasting called Chinese Medical Nutrition Therapy helped people with T2D achieve remission for a year.

The study was conducted among 36 participants aged between 38 to 72 years. Each of the participants had T2D for about 1 to 11 years and a BMI (body mass index) of 19.1 to 30.4. Participants were further divided into two groups of 36. While a few were assigned the CMNT diet, others followed the regular unrestricted eating regimen.

In both groups, individuals were assigned a specific fasting diet for five days, in which they ate a total of 840 calories throughout three meals. After the three-month intervention, the trial found that 47.2% of the CMNT diet individuals achieved T2D remissions. Moreover, the mean bodyweight of individuals in the intermittent fasting group reduced by 5.93 kg, while participants in the other group experienced a weight loss of 0.27 kg.

While 16 participants in the fasting group maintained type 2 diabetes remission in the 12-month follow-up, no individual in the other group showed any signs of T2D remission.

Apart from that, researchers also found that individuals who were given fewer anti-diabetic medications at the start of the randomized controlled trial were more likely to experience type 2 diabetes reversal.

---

What causes type 2 diabetes?

T2D generally occurs when the body develops a resistance to insulin. Insulin is basically a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for allowing glucose to enter the cells so that it can be used for energy.

While type 2 diabetes typically occurs around or after the 40s, it can occur any time and can affect anybody, even children. According to the CDC, other factors that might increase the risk of T2D include:

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• History of gestational diabetes
• Family history of type 2 diabetes

Obesity can lead to T2D. (Photo via Pexels/Andres Ayrton)

According to researchers, the findings of the study are surely very interesting, but it doesn’t really guarantee that every T2D patient will achieve remission if they opt for intermittent fasting, as results may vary from one individual to the other. As per the researchers, the study couldn't tell how each patient’s body would respond to calorie restrictions.

Medical experts also warn that before making any dietary changes or switching to a completely new diet strategy, it's important to consult your doctor, especially if you have T2D or any other health condition.