Researchers looked at whether a special eating plan that mimics fasting could help people with type 2 diabetes while also being affordable. The study examined both the immediate costs and long-term expenses of this diet approach compared to standard diabetes care. By analyzing real patient data and projecting costs over a lifetime, scientists wanted to understand if this fasting-mimicking diet could be a smart financial choice for healthcare systems and patients. The findings suggest this approach might offer benefits without breaking the bank, though more research is needed to confirm these results.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fasting-mimicking diet (eating very little for short periods) could help people with type 2 diabetes while costing less money than regular diabetes treatment
  • Who participated: People with type 2 diabetes who were willing to try a special eating plan that involves eating very little for certain days, compared to people receiving standard diabetes care
  • Key finding: The fasting-mimicking diet appears to be cost-effective, meaning it may help manage diabetes without costing significantly more than usual treatment, and could potentially save money over time
  • What it means for you: If you have type 2 diabetes, this diet approach might be worth discussing with your doctor as a possible option. However, this is just one study, and you should always talk to your healthcare provider before making major changes to how you eat or manage your diabetes

The Research Details

Researchers conducted two types of analyses to understand the costs of a fasting-mimicking diet for diabetes patients. First, they looked at actual data from patients who tried this diet and tracked the real costs involved. Second, they created a computer model that predicted what costs might be over a person’s entire lifetime, comparing the fasting diet to regular diabetes treatment.

The fasting-mimicking diet involves eating very little (usually just 500-800 calories) for 5 days per month, then eating normally the rest of the time. This approach is designed to give some of the health benefits of fasting without requiring people to fast for long periods.

By combining real patient information with long-term predictions, the researchers could see both the immediate financial impact and whether the approach might save money or improve health outcomes over many years.

Understanding whether a treatment is affordable is just as important as knowing whether it works. This study helps answer a question that patients and doctors care about: Can we manage diabetes better without spending more money? By looking at both short-term costs and lifetime expenses, researchers can give a more complete picture of whether this diet approach makes financial sense for healthcare systems and patients.

This study was published in a respected medical journal focused on primary care (the kind of care you get from your regular doctor). The researchers used both real patient data and mathematical models to predict long-term costs, which is a solid approach. However, the sample size wasn’t specified in the available information, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the results might be. As with any single study, these findings should be confirmed by additional research before making major decisions.

What the Results Show

The fasting-mimicking diet appears to be cost-effective for managing type 2 diabetes. This means that compared to standard diabetes care, this eating approach either costs about the same or potentially costs less while providing similar or better health benefits.

When researchers looked at the actual costs from patients who tried the diet, the expenses were reasonable. When they projected costs forward over a person’s lifetime, the fasting-mimicking diet continued to look like a financially sensible option compared to regular diabetes treatment.

The study suggests that this approach might help reduce some of the long-term complications of diabetes, which could save money on medical care down the road. However, the exact amount of savings depends on many factors, including how well the diet works for each individual person.

The research also examined how the fasting-mimicking diet might affect other health costs over time. By potentially improving blood sugar control and reducing diabetes complications, this diet approach could decrease spending on medications, doctor visits, and hospital care. The study considered various scenarios to understand how different outcomes might affect overall costs.

Previous research has shown that fasting-mimicking diets can help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. This new study builds on that knowledge by adding financial information. It suggests that this diet approach isn’t just potentially helpful for health—it also appears to be affordable, which is important information that was missing from earlier studies.

The study didn’t specify the exact number of patients included, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the findings are. The computer model used to predict lifetime costs involves many assumptions that might not match real life for every person. Different people respond differently to diets, so results may vary. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness can vary depending on where you live and what healthcare costs are in your area. This is one study, so more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Bottom Line

If you have type 2 diabetes, a fasting-mimicking diet may be worth discussing with your doctor as a potential option. The evidence suggests it could be cost-effective, meaning it won’t necessarily cost more than standard care. However, this approach isn’t right for everyone—pregnant women, people with a history of eating disorders, and those with certain medical conditions should not try fasting without medical supervision. Start any new diet only under your doctor’s guidance.

This research is most relevant for people with type 2 diabetes who are looking for alternative ways to manage their condition and are interested in the financial aspects of their care. Healthcare providers and insurance companies may also find this information useful when deciding what treatment options to offer. People without diabetes, those with type 1 diabetes, and pregnant women should not apply these findings without consulting their doctor first.

If you try a fasting-mimicking diet, you might notice improvements in blood sugar levels within a few weeks. However, the full financial benefits—like reduced medication needs or fewer doctor visits—may take several months to a year to become apparent. Long-term benefits, like preventing serious diabetes complications, develop over years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your blood sugar readings on the days you do the fasting-mimicking diet and on regular eating days. Record the specific numbers (like fasting glucose levels) at the same time each day to see if there’s a pattern. Also note any changes in how you feel, energy levels, or hunger.
  • Use the app to plan your fasting-mimicking diet days in advance. Set reminders for when to eat during your fasting days, log what you eat during those meals, and track your total calories. Compare your blood sugar readings before and after trying this approach to see if it’s working for you personally.
  • Create a monthly report in the app comparing your average blood sugar levels, medication doses, and overall costs (if you track healthcare expenses). This helps you see long-term trends and determine whether the fasting-mimicking diet is actually helping your diabetes management and potentially saving money over time.

This research suggests that a fasting-mimicking diet may be cost-effective for type 2 diabetes, but it is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or diabetes educator before starting any new diet or changing your diabetes treatment plan. This is especially important if you take diabetes medications, as dietary changes may affect how your medications work. Do not attempt fasting-mimicking diets if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of eating disorders, or have certain medical conditions. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. This single study should not be the only basis for making healthcare decisions.