新研究显示间歇性禁食优于糖尿病药物

新研究显示间歇性禁食优于糖尿病药物
Intermittent Fasting Outperforms Diabetes Drugs In New Study

原始链接: https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/intermittent-fasting-outperforms-diabetes-drugs-new-study

一项新的研究表明，与使用普通糖尿病药物相比，遵循 5:2 间歇性禁食饮食的 2 型糖尿病患者可能会获得更好的血糖管理效果。在这种饮食中，个人连续五天规律饮食并限制两天热量。与接受传统糖尿病治疗的患者相比，参与该计划研究的患者血糖水平得到改善，体重减轻幅度更大。研究人员认为，饮食调整可能为控制糖尿病提供有效的解决方案。一个多世纪前，人们认为禁食可以快速治愈糖尿病，阻止其进展，并在几天或几周内完全消除症状。在 EARLY（新诊断超重/肥胖 2 型糖尿病的治疗探索）研究中，在中国九个地点开展了一项随机临床研究，评估了间歇性禁食对成年糖尿病患者血糖调节的影响。该试验招募了 405 名参与者，将他们分为三组 - 一组坚持 5:2 间歇性禁食饮食和代餐 (MR)，另一组服用二甲双胍（一种治疗 2 型糖尿病的药物），第三组服用恩格列净。采用 5:2 间歇性禁食方案的个体每周禁食两天，食用低热量代餐产品，并将女性每日摄入热量限制在 500 卡路里，男性每日摄入热量限制在 600 卡路里。在非禁食日，他们遵循正常的饮食模式，但用替代代餐产品代替晚餐，并监测总体卡路里消耗。在整个十六周的过程中，5:2 队列的糖化血红蛋白 (HbA1c) 水平大幅下降，这是血糖控制的重要指标。他们的平均下降幅度为 1.9%，超过二甲双胍组的 1.6% 和恩格列净组的 1.5%。此外，5:2 方案的参与者体重减轻了很多：典型体重减轻了 21 磅，而服用二甲双胍的患者体重减轻了 12 磅，服用恩格列净的患者体重减轻了 13 磅。结束语强调“5:2 MR 方法

原文

Authored by Sheramy Tsai via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

A new study that came out on Friday shows that intermittent fasting may control blood sugar more effectively than popular diabetes medications for people with Type 2 diabetes. Participants on a 5:2 intermittent fasting diet—eating normally for five days and reducing calories for two—had better blood sugar levels and greater weight loss than those on standard diabetes drugs. This suggests that dietary changes could be a potent method for managing diabetes.

Study Highlights and Key Findings

The EARLY [Exploration of Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Overweight/Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus] study, a randomized clinical trial conducted across nine centers in China, assessed the effects of an intermittent fasting diet on glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

The trial involved 405 participants, divided into three groups: one following the 5:2 fasting diet with meal replacements (MR) and the other two taking either metformin or empagliflozin (drugs to treat Type 2 diabetes).

Those on the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet had two non-consecutive fasting days each week, during which they consumed a low-calorie meal replacement product, limiting intake to 500 calories for women and 600 calories for men.

On the other five days, they ate their usual breakfast and lunch but had a different meal replacement product for dinner while monitoring their overall calorie intake.

All participants received comprehensive dietary and exercise guidance, along with general diabetes education from nutritionists and research physicians.

Over 16 weeks, participants on the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet experienced a significant drop in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels—a key measure of blood sugar control. The fasting group had an average reduction of 1.9 percent, compared to 1.6 percent in the metformin group and 1.5 percent in the empagliflozin group.

The study also reported significant weight loss for those on the fasting diet. Participants in the 5:2 group lost an average of 21 pounds, compared to 12 pounds in the metformin group and 13 pounds in the empagliflozin group.

The study concluded that “the 5:2 MR approach may serve as an effective initial lifestyle intervention instead of antidiabetic drugs for patients with type 2 diabetes.”

Intermittent Fasting and Diabetes

Intermittent fasting has garnered significant attention for its potential benefits in managing blood glucose levels, particularly for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Jason Fung, a leading expert in intermittent fasting and author of “The Diabetes Code,” limiting calorie intake on certain days helps stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Fasting allows your body to lower insulin levels and burn stored fat for energy, improving insulin sensitivity. This means your cells are better able to use glucose, reducing overall blood sugar levels. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that 47 percent of intermittent fasting participants achieved diabetes remission.

“It’s nothing more or less than give your body a break and let it burn off all that energy that you’ve stored away because that’s the natural thing to do if you’ve stored too much,” Dr. Fung said in a talk presented at the “Food for Thought 2023: Rising to the challenge of obesity and diabetes” conference.

Another study from 2022, published in the International Journal of Endocrinology, found that intermittent fasting significantly improves blood glucose and lipid levels, as well as insulin resistance, in patients with metabolic syndrome. The meta-analysis showed reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin levels, and body weight. The study concluded, “Intermittent fasting diets have certain therapeutic effects on blood glucose and lipids in patients with metabolic syndrome and significantly improve insulin resistance.”

A Manageable Approach

The 5:2 intermittent fasting method has shown promise due to its manageable structure. This approach allows individuals to maintain their regular lifestyle most of the week while reaping the benefits of fasting. These studies highlight the potential of intermittent fasting as a practical, non-pharmaceutical approach to managing Type 2 diabetes, offering a flexible option for patients seeking lifestyle-based interventions.

“Studies performed on people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) have shown that intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss, improvements in glycemic control, and even in some cases, remission of diabetes,” Dr. Andrew Demidowich, an endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine told The Epoch Times in an email. “This doesn’t mean that intermittent fasting will work for, or is even safe for everyone with T2D, but this dietary strategy is a promising area of active research.”

Practical Tips for Implementing Intermittent Fasting

Dr. Demidowich offers practical tips and considerations for those interested in trying the intermittent fasting diet.

Start Gradually: If you’re new to fasting, ease into it by gradually reducing your calorie intake on fasting days. This can help your body adjust and make the transition smoother.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: On fasting days, focus on eating low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods. The meal replacement products used in the study provided essential nutrients while keeping calorie intake low. You can create similar meals with lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially on fasting days. Hydration helps control hunger and keeps your body functioning optimally.
Monitor Your Progress: Keep a food diary to track your intake and how you feel after eating. Monitoring your blood sugar levels, weight, and overall health can help you understand how intermittent fasting affects your body.
Consult a Health Care Professional: Before starting any new diet regimen, especially if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, it’s essential to consult with a health care provider. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that the diet is safe for you.

Implementing these tips can make the intermittent fasting diet more manageable and effective, allowing you to experience its potential benefits for blood sugar control and overall health.