Intermittent Fasting: A Superior Alternative to Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes?
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that intermittent fasting, specifically the 5:2 diet, significantly benefits people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes by helping them lose more weight and improve blood sugar control better than common diabetes medications. The study, conducted in China with over 330 participants, showed that the fasting group lost an average of 21 pounds and had greater reductions in HbA1c levels, waist circumference, blood pressure, and triglycerides compared to those on metformin or empagliflozin. Researchers suggest the 5:2 diet could be a promising initial lifestyle intervention for early-stage diabetes, though more long-term studies are needed.
