Can the Fasting Mimicking Diet Help with Diabetes Management?
A new study indicates the possible benefits of managing type 2 diabetes with the diet
Over 500 million patients worldwide live with type 2 diabetes. Some studies project that the number of type 2 diabetics will grow to over 800 million by 2045, due to an aging population, urbanization, decreased physical activity, and increased obesity.
A new study in Value in Health found results that support the cost-effectiveness and health benefits of implementing a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD). The study observed participants who implemented the FMD for five days on a monthly basis for the first six months and every three months thereafter for five days each time.
The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a scientifically developed nutrition program designed to nourish the body with plant-based ingredients over a five-day period while avoiding the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways (NSPs). L-Nutra Health, a subsidiary of L-Nutra, has adapted the FMD into a Diabetes Regression and Remission Program (DRRP) aimed at helping people with type 2 diabetes manage the condition more effectively.
How FMD Targets Key Factors in Type 2 Diabetes
According to Dr. Will Hsu, Chief Medical Officer of L-Nutra Health, the FMD used in this program differs from other commercially available five-day FMDs by incorporating fewer carbohydrates and more fats, making it specifically tailored to support glucose management.
“The FMD promotes cellular rejuvenation by triggering autophagy, potentially improving pancreatic cell function and insulin production,” Dr. Hsu explained to Athletech News. Autophagy is the body’s natural process of removing and recycling damaged cells, which may aid in cellular renewal, including those responsible for insulin production in the pancreas.
“By targeting visceral fat loss while preserving muscle mass, the program aims to optimize glucose uptake and insulin signaling,” Dr. Hsu stated. The FMD may therefore help improve metabolic health by reducing unhealthy fat stores while maintaining muscle mass.
The FMD is also designed to enhance insulin sensitivity, one of the main challenges in managing type 2 diabetes. “The FMD is designed to enhance insulin sensitivity by improving glucose metabolism,” Dr. Hsu noted.
Study Results
The FMD was tested in a clinical study as part of the DRRP, which includes regular consultations with board-certified dietitians and medical oversight by a lifestyle medicine physician. The program involves following the five-day FMD once a month for six months, followed by maintenance for an additional six months.
According to Dr. Hsu, participants in the study experienced notable improvements, including an average HbA1c reduction of 1.4%, 22 pounds of weight loss, and a 59% reduction in insulin resistance. “A remarkable 67% of participants experienced a decrease in their diabetes medication use,” Dr. Hsu pointed out, suggesting that the FMD could be beneficial in reducing dependence on diabetes medications.
Economic and Quality of Life Findings
L-Nutra Health also conducted a long-term simulation to assess the broader economic and quality of life impacts of the FMD. “The study found that the program not only achieves substantial cost savings but also breaks even by the third year for the general diabetic population—and by the first year for high-cost diabetic patients,” Dr. Hsu explained. Integrating the FMD into diabetes management protocols may have significant financial benefits for healthcare systems, particularly for those treating high-cost patients.
The simulation also predicted improvements in overall quality of life. “Patients reported significant overall enhancements in health-related categories due to fewer medical interventions and a lower incidence of diabetes-related complications,” Dr. Hsu said. Participants gained an additional 0.211 quality-adjusted life years (approximately 77 quality-adjusted days) over the 10-year simulation period compared to those receiving standard care.
The FMD Beyond Diabetes
While the FMD has been adapted to support type 2 diabetes management, its potential benefits extend to the broader population as well. Some key potential benefits of the FMD for non-diabetics include improvements in metabolic health, fat-focused weight loss while preserving muscle mass, and enhanced mental clarity and energy levels. According to Dr. Hsu, “Just three cycles of the FMD per year may help reduce biological age by an average of 2.5 years, potentially turning back the clock on your body’s cellular age.”
The FMD suggests that it may offer a new approach to type 2 diabetes management, with potential benefits in terms of glucose control, medication reduction, and cost-effectiveness. Further research and clinical trials will help determine its broader application in healthcare settings.