Intermittent very low-calorie diet tied to diabetes remission in adults with obesity: Study

Very few studies assess the effectiveness of different protocols of intermittent very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) in patients with diabetes. A group of researchers from Thailand performed a study to compare the effects of 2 days/week and 4 days/week of intermittent very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) on glycemic control, diabetes remission, metabolic parameters and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups, consisting of control, 2 days/week and 4 days/week of intermittent very-low-calorie diet (VLCD). In the intermittent very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) groups, participants received a 600-kcal diet per day on restricted days and ad libitum food consumption on non-restricted days. Glycemic control, rate of diabetes remission, metabolic parameters and quality of life were evaluated at baseline, weeks 2, 10 and 20.

The results of the study are as follows:

• A total of 40 participants were enrolled.
• The mean body mass index was 30.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2, and the mean glycated haemoglobin was 7.4 ± 1.2%. At week 20, there was an improvement in glycemic control in both intermittent VLCD groups with significant decreases in glycated haemoglobin levels and insulin resistance index throughout the study periods.
• Diabetes remission without the need for medications was equally found in 29% of participants in both intermittent VLCD groups.
• Serum triglyceride, bodyweight, body mass index and fat mass were also significantly decreased in both VLCD groups.
• No serious adverse events were encountered.

Thus, the researchers concluded that intermittent very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) was highly effective in achieving optimal glycemic control. The effects of 2 days/week and 4 days/week of intermittent very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) on diabetes remission were relatively similar.

Reference:

Effects of an intermittent very-low-calorie diet on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial by Umphonsathien M et. al published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jdi.13619