Monthly fasting cycles may be feasible in T2D

Nearly 1 in 3 participants discontinued the yearlong dietary program because of diet-related challenges, despite a 61% completion rate.

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In a 1-year trial of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers compared monthly 5-day fasting-mimicking diet cycles plus usual care with usual care alone.
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Among participants assigned to the fasting-mimicking diet, 61% completed the program, while 31% discontinued because of diet-related issues and 8% for other reasons.
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Serum ketone levels were higher in the fasting-mimicking diet group than in the usual-care group, while treatment satisfaction did not differ between groups.
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Focus groups identified convenience, short cycles, motivation, perceived health improvements, and social support as adherence facilitators; taste, portion size, frequency, and environmental temptation
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The study assessed feasibility, not long-term clinical effectiveness, and its small sample and inclusion of patients taking metformin or no glucose-lowering medication limit applicability.

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