Researchers are testing two different ways of eating less frequently to see if they help people with type 2 diabetes feel better and lose weight. One approach involves eating very little on certain days of the week, while the other involves eating all your food within an 8-hour window each day. This study will follow 56 people with diabetes for a year to see which method works better, is easier to stick with, and helps improve blood sugar control. The findings could help doctors give personalized advice about eating patterns that work best for each person’s diabetes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two different types of intermittent fasting (eating less frequently) can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar and lose weight
  • Who participated: 56 adults with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese, randomly assigned to try one of two eating approaches
  • Key finding: This is a protocol paper describing the study design rather than results. The researchers will compare how well people stick with each approach and how much their blood sugar improves over 12 months
  • What it means for you: If you have type 2 diabetes, this research may eventually help your doctor recommend the best eating pattern for your situation. However, results won’t be available until the study is complete, and you should always talk to your doctor before trying intermittent fasting

The Research Details

This is a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers will randomly assign 56 people with type 2 diabetes into two groups. One group will practice intermittent energy restriction (IER), eating only 550-800 calories on 2-3 days per week while eating normally on other days. The other group will practice time-restricted eating (TRE), eating all their food within an 8-hour window each day (like between noon and 8 PM). Both groups will receive diabetes education and support through video calls and online programs for 6 months, then continue on their own for another 6 months. The researchers will track how many people join the study, how many stick with it, and how satisfied they are with their assigned eating approach.

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body can’t use insulin properly, and extra weight makes this problem worse. Intermittent fasting might help by reducing overall calories and improving how the body handles blood sugar. However, we don’t know yet which fasting approach works best for people with diabetes or how easy it is to stick with long-term. This study will provide clear answers by comparing the two methods directly in the same study.

This is a well-designed study because it randomly assigns people to groups (reducing bias), includes support and education for both groups (making a fair comparison), and measures multiple important outcomes like blood sugar control, weight loss, and how well people stick with the plan. The study is being published before results are available, which shows transparency. However, the sample size of 56 people is relatively small, so results may not apply to everyone with diabetes.

What the Results Show

This paper describes the study plan rather than actual results. The researchers have not yet completed the study or analyzed the data. The primary outcomes they will measure include: (1) How many people sign up for the study and complete it (feasibility), (2) How satisfied people are with their assigned eating approach (acceptability), and (3) How well people stick with their assigned eating plan (adherence). These measurements will help determine if intermittent fasting is practical for people with type 2 diabetes.

The study will also measure important health outcomes including changes in HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months), how well the body responds to insulin, body composition changes (fat versus muscle), and whether people achieve diabetes remission (when blood sugar returns to normal without medication). The researchers will also use continuous glucose monitors to track real-time blood sugar patterns and identify which people respond best to each approach.

Previous research suggests that both intermittent fasting approaches may help with blood sugar control and weight loss, but most studies have been small or tested only one approach. This study is important because it directly compares two different intermittent fasting methods in the same group of people with type 2 diabetes, which hasn’t been done before in a rigorous way.

The study includes only 56 people, which is a relatively small number, so results may not apply to all people with type 2 diabetes. The study focuses on people who are overweight or obese, so results may differ for people at a healthy weight. The study doesn’t compare intermittent fasting to traditional diabetes diets, so we won’t know if fasting is better than other approaches. Finally, people who volunteer for the study may be more motivated than the general population, which could affect results.

The Bottom Line

This is a protocol paper, so no recommendations can be made yet. Once results are available, they may help doctors personalize diabetes treatment. Currently, if you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in intermittent fasting, discuss it with your doctor or diabetes educator first, as it may affect your medications and blood sugar levels. Do not start intermittent fasting without medical supervision if you take diabetes medications.

This research is most relevant to adults with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese and interested in trying intermittent fasting. It’s also important for doctors and diabetes educators who want evidence-based guidance on which eating approaches work best for different patients. People with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, or those with a history of eating disorders should not attempt intermittent fasting without close medical supervision.

The study will run for 12 months total (6 months of active support plus 6 months of follow-up). Results will likely be published 1-2 years after the study ends, so expect to see findings in 2026-2027. Any benefits from intermittent fasting typically appear within 4-8 weeks, but the full effects on blood sugar control may take 3-6 months.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once results are available and if you try intermittent fasting with your doctor’s approval, track your fasting windows (what time you start and stop eating) and measure your blood sugar before and after fasting periods using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor. Record any changes in energy levels, hunger, or how you feel.
  • If you decide to try intermittent fasting after consulting your doctor, use the app to set reminders for your eating window, log your meals during that window, and track your adherence to the plan. Set a realistic goal, such as sticking with your chosen approach 5 days per week for the first month.
  • Check your HbA1c level every 3 months with your doctor to see if blood sugar control is improving. Track your weight weekly and look for trends over 4-week periods rather than daily changes. Monitor how you feel, including energy levels and hunger patterns, and share this information with your healthcare provider at regular check-ins.

This article describes a research study protocol and does not present final results. Intermittent fasting can affect blood sugar levels and may interact with diabetes medications. Anyone with type 2 diabetes considering intermittent fasting should consult with their doctor or diabetes educator before making dietary changes. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Do not start or stop any diabetes medications without medical supervision.