A recent study on time-restricted eating (TRE) for individuals with type 2 diabetes, funded by the Diabetes Australia Research Program, has been published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal.
Dr. Evelyn Parr and her research team at the Australian Catholic University conducted the study between 2021 and 2022, involving 51 participants aged 35 to 65. The subjects were divided into two groups: one adhered to a TRE regimen, consuming all meals within a designated 9-hour window daily, while the other group received dietary guidance from dietitians focused on healthier eating habits, including reductions in fats and carbohydrates. Both groups were observed over a six-month period.
Findings revealed that both TRE and dietitian support significantly improved blood glucose control, with outcomes showing comparable results in both cohorts. Participants from each group recorded reductions in their HbA1c levels within the initial two months, with these improvements maintained throughout the study.
Notably, the TRE group exhibited a natural decrease in carbohydrate consumption, whereas the dietitian-guided group managed to reduce fat intake effectively.
The research team highlighted that TRE could serve as a beneficial alternative for individuals lacking access to dietetic services, particularly those residing in rural and remote areas. Given that TRE does not require an intricate meal plan, it can be easily supervised by general healthcare professionals, making it an accessible option for many.
As with any lifestyle modification, individuals with diabetes are advised to consult with healthcare professionals before implementing new dietary strategies. While there is no universal approach to diabetes management, individual preferences remain crucial, and this study suggests that TRE could be a valuable starting point for some patients.
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