Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Put Type 2 Diabetes Into Remission With This Intermittent Fasting Diet

Morgan Chamberlain
Author:
August 23, 2024
Morgan Chamberlain
Former mbg Supplement Editor
By Morgan Chamberlain
Former mbg Supplement Editor
Morgan Chamberlain is mindbodygreen's former supplement editor. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism and a minor in nutrition.
family eating nutritious meal together at dinner table
Image by Ivan Gener / Stocksy
August 23, 2024

We've already discovered that intermittent fasting (IF)—an eating strategy where you alternate between set periods of eating and set periods of abstaining from food (i.e., fasting)—is effective at helping individuals regulate blood sugar levels and support their overall metabolic health

While many IF benefits relevant to people with Type 2 diabetes (blood sugar balance, insulin regulation1, etc.) have been identified in previous research, few studies exist analyzing the direct effect of IF on diabetes treatment and remission—until now.

How intermittent fasting impacts Type 2 diabetes

In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers have discovered that an IF diet called Chinese Medical Nutrition Therapy (CMNT) helped some individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) achieve remission for at least one year2! The RCT looked at participants between 38 and 72 years old diagnosed with T2D for one to 11 years. 

After the three-month intervention and a three-month follow-up period, almost half (47.2%) of the CMNT diet participants achieved diabetes remission—which was defined as stable hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels less than 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for at least three months after stopping all antidiabetic medications—while the control group only saw one participant out of 36 (2.8%) achieve remission. 

After the one-year follow-up, 44.4% of CMNT diet participants achieved sustained remission. Additionally, medication costs were 77.2% lower in the CMNT group compared to the control group. 

The takeaway

Overall, the results of the RCT demonstrate clinical efficacy in IF diets as a treatment option for Type 2 diabetes. 

Other nutritional and lifestyle strategies can help you maintain healthy blood sugar balance, enhance your insulin sensitivity, and achieve optimal metabolic health—such as maintaining a balanced diet, reducing stress levels, getting deep and restful sleep, and taking a targeted supplement (see our top metabolism-supporting supplement suggestions here).

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Health
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.