Dr. Ratte Comments on New Intermittent Fasting Study
You’ve likely noticed that Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in the past decade among Americans. People try it for several reasons, including weight loss, blood sugar regulation or bio hacking. In October, a new study was published in JAMA Open about intermittent fasting and type 2 diabetes. NPR highlighted the research.
Results of the New Intermittent Fasting Study
The study found that people with type 2 diabetes can successfully lose weight and manage their blood sugar by eating exclusively within an 8-hour window every day. Though the field of research is relatively new, a growing number of studies suggest intermittent fasting can improve metabolic health, weight loss efforts, and high blood pressure.
The study compared time restricted eating to counting calories and found that both groups had similar improvements in A1C levels, however, the time-restricted eating group lost nearly twice as much weight.
The study’s lead author, Krista Varady, professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois, acknowledges that larger trials need to be conducted in the future and that intermittent fasting should not be used as a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss or Type 2 diabetes management. Patients with type 2 diabetes should not start intermittent fasting without the supervision of their primary care physician.
Dr. Paul Ratte’s Commentary
Dr. Paul Ratte, Associate Professor at NWHSU, shared his thoughts on the study with us:
“I advocate for intermittent fasting and fully support Dr. Taub’s assertions that it’s uncomplicated, requires no prescription, and comes at no cost. While it’s generally easy to adhere to, some of my patients do struggle with omitting either breakfast or dinner.
Diabetes stems from glucose intolerance, and by forgoing breakfast, individuals avoid elevating their morning blood glucose levels, thus preventing fluctuations throughout the day. Additionally, the reduction in overall calorie intake serves as an extra benefit.
Despite the prevailing belief in breakfast’s paramount importance, diabetic patients often witness substantial improvements when they choose to skip it. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider breakfast as the most important meal of the day. Maybe restricting carbohydrates (or all calories) for breakfast is a better rule. Consuming carbohydrates, especially processed and refined ones, for breakfast appears to be a sure-fire way to disrupt the morning and invite blood glucose fluctuations later in the day.”