Intermittent Fasting Can Be An Alternative Controlling Blood Sugar For Diabetes Patients

Illustration of intermittent fasting (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Managing blood sugar for diabetic patients often focuses on what they eat, but new research shows eating time is also important in order to maintain the stability of blood sugar.

According to a recent study, eating for a limited time can be a weight loss strategy while at the same time helping control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

A limited diet or intermittent fasting usually involves limiting the dining window within a few hours (4 to 10 hours) and fasting for the remaining time. Intermittent fasting is considered to help lose weight, mood, blood sugar, blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.

Launching Medical Daily, researchers conducted a six-month study to understand the impact of eating patterns with limited time on diabetic patients and to see if the benefits can be comparable to the results of traditional dietary suggestions.

The study involved 52 type 2 diabetes patients between the ages of 35 and 65 and has been published in the January of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

Participants are randomly divided into a diet focus group or a limited time diet group. In the diet group, participants are guided to improve the quality of food, such as eating more vegetables and reducing alcohol.

People with limited time eating patterns are advised to limit eating in a nine-hour window from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m... The researchers then measured the blood glucose levels of participants every two months using the HbA1c test.

After six months, the control of glycemics in diabetic patients implementing a limited-time diet is comparable to the results achieved through standard diet treatment after six months. A limited-time diet also has additional benefits because it is simple, achievable, and easy to follow, motivating participants to make other positive lifestyle changes.

"We found a limited-time diet as effective as dietary interventions. Both groups experienced a decrease in blood glucose levels, with the largest improvement occurring after the first two months. Although not the goal of this study, some participants in each group also lost weight (5-10 kg)," the researchers said.

The researchers also noted that intermittent fasting could be an early stage for people with type 2 diabetes to control their health, as people become more interested in making dietary and other positive changes.

However, the researchers warn that a limited time diet may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those who take drugs that don't recommend fasting. Before doing so, it is advisable to consult a health professional before changing your diet.