Fast-mimicking diet association found with decreased blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes cases
A new study has revealed promising results for individuals with type 2 diabetes who follow a fasting diet involving restricted energy intake for five consecutive days per month. The 5-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) has shown real-world effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control, facilitating weight loss, and reducing dependency on diabetes medications.
The clinical trial, presented at the American Diabetes Association's 85th Scientific Sessions on June 20, 2025, demonstrated that after 3 and 6 months of following a monthly 5-day FMD, participants experienced significant weight loss, reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, a higher percentage of participants achieving blood glucose control compared to baseline, and decreased reliance on diabetes medications while maintaining program engagement.
The diet's format—being a 5-day monthly intervention rather than a daily regimen—makes it feasible for many patients to incorporate into their lives without major disruption, especially with support from registered dietitians who help tailor the diet to individual needs and lifestyles.
Results presented by L-Nutra Health, which offers a patented fasting-mimicking diet, supported these findings with real-world data. At 3 months, 54% of participants reduced diabetes medications, increasing to 68% at 6 months. HbA1c decreased by 0.5% at 3 months, and this improvement was maintained at 6 months. The average weight loss was 4.0 kg at 3 months and 5.1 kg at 6 months. Improvement in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Scores, indicating better patient well-being and engagement, was also reported.
Experts emphasise that when combined with medical supervision and personalised nutritional support, the FMD can produce clinically significant metabolic benefits and reduce the need for costly medications with minimal lifestyle disruption—a notable achievement in type 2 diabetes care.
However, it's important to note that the fasting-mimicking diet is not without its challenges. Some participants experienced symptoms of energy deficit, such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, and nausea, during the 5-day fasting period, but these resolved between cycles.
Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, expressed caution about the findings, noting that the intervention was associated with common signs of energy deficit in a substantial number of participants during the 5-day fasting period. She also advised that the inclusion of lifestyle advice and the option to consult a dietitian may have influenced some of the study findings.
The fasting-mimicking diet is a low-calorie, plant-based diet that is low in sugar and protein, but rich in healthy unsaturated fats and fiber. It is designed to simulate the beneficial health effects of water-only fasting, allowing for limited calorie intake during the fasting period, making adherence less challenging compared to water-only fasting.
The fasting program is patented by L-Nutra, a nutrient technology company. It is combined with physician oversight and registered dietitian (RD) coaching for safe and effective implementation in real-world clinical settings to manage type 2 diabetes.
In summary, the 5-day fasting-mimicking diet is a promising, practical approach to improving metabolic health in type 2 diabetes patients by promoting weight loss, enhancing glycemic control, lowering medication requirements, and fitting feasibly into patients' lives with appropriate clinical guidance. Patients should, however, consult their physicians before starting the diet to ensure safety and appropriate monitoring.
[1] Diabetes Care, 2025 [2] Journal of Diabetes Research, 2025
- The 5-day fasting-mimicking diet, with its restricted energy intake, has shown great potential for managing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes by improving nutrition, facilitating weight loss, and reducing dependency on diabetes medications.
- The clinical trial demonstrated that this diet led to significant weight loss, reduced glycated hemoglobin levels, improved blood glucose control, and decreased medication use, while maintaining program engagement.
- To effectively manage type 2 diabetes, experts recommend combining the fasting-mimicking diet with medical supervision, personalized nutritional support, and fitness and exercise therapies and treatments.
- Health and wellness professionals, such as registered dietitians, play a crucial role in tailoring the diet to individual needs and lifestyles, making it feasible for many patients to incorporate into their lives.
- It's essential for patients to consult their physicians before starting the diet to ensure safety and appropriate monitoring, as the diet may cause symptoms of energy deficit during the 5-day fasting period.
- Scientific literature, namely Diabetes Care and Journal of Diabetes Research in 2025, have reported on the real-world effectiveness of the fasting-mimicking diet in managing type 2 diabetes, presenting promising possibilities for future endocrine science research.
