Intermittent Diet, According To Effective And Safe Research Controls Blood Sugar Levels For Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Illustration of research on intermittent diets for people with type 2 diabetes (Freepik/drobotdean)

YOGYAKARTA The intermittent diet is done by dividing the fasting day and less time for eating hours. Researchers report, intermittent fasting or intermittent diet, as effectively as to lose weight as well as being safe for people with type 2 diabetes to reduce calorie intake so that it helps control blood sugar.

Research published late last month, October 27 in the journal JAMA Network Open reported by Medical News Today, Tuesday, November 7. In the study, participants ate only between noon and 8 pm which was carried out for 6 months and they experienced more weight loss. They generally reduce their calorie intake by 25 percent. Better yet, participants experience a decrease in blood sugar levels in the long term measured with the A1C hemoglobin test.

The study divided 75 participants into three groups, those who followed the rules for eating with time constraints, those who reduced calories, and control groups. Over the course of 6 months, researchers measured participants' weight, waist circumference, blood sugar levels, and other health indicators. Krista Varady, Ph.D., research author and professor of kinesiology and nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago said the group limited to meal times turned out to be easier than people in groups that reduce calories.

The researchers said they believed this was because doctors usually recommend people with type 2 diabetes to reduce calories as the first measure. Time-limited research participants are not instructed to reduce calories. But still take an intermittent diet by eating within a certain period of time.

Our study shows that eating with a time limit may be an effective alternative to traditional diets for people who can't go on traditional or tired diets. For many people who try to lose weight, counting time is easier than counting calories, "explained Varady.

During a 6-month controlled meal, researchers said no participants experienced a serious decline in health. The decrease and increase in blood sugar levels did not occur significantly. This small-scale research needs to be continued on a larger scale. The goal is to find the right way for people with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, before taking an intermittent diet, it is advisable to consult a doctor first.

During this fasting period, insulin levels decreased, allowing cells to become more receptive to insulin as diets continued. This increased sensitivity helps regulate blood sugar levels more effectively, reduces the risk of spikes and dangerous declines that commonly occur in diabetes, "explained Kevin Huffman, a charismatic doctor who was not involved in this study.

Intermittent fasting also encourages weight loss which is important for people with type 2 diabetes. Because obesity is related to insulin sensitivity and poor glycemic control, it is important to lose normal weight. The intermittent diet, usually the fasting phase lasts for 12 to 14 hours or more. When fasting, the body uses fat deposits and energy reserves as fuel to encourage weight loss.

During fasting, the body also fosters healthy eating habits. The benefits are good for metabolism flexibility, insulin sensitivity, inflammation control, and contribute to regulating glycemics to weight loss.

Although useful and effective, registered nutritionist Ro Huntris warns that he must consider risks related to fasting time and eating hours. This is because diabetics have to take prescription drugs, so meal times and take medication must be considered so that blood sugar levels do not drop. So he suggested, consult first before undergoing an intermittent diet for people with type 2 diabetes.