The BEST Way to Manage Blood Sugar (Surprising!)
Studies have poured in, revealing the many health benefits of intermittent fasting.
Weight loss, improved memory, reduced inflammation… it turns out that the health benefits are WIDE when your window of eating is NARROW.
But could intermittent fasting (IF) be as beneficial as prescription drugs for type 2 diabetes?
You’ll never believe the answer.
Researchers compared intermittent fasting to two popular diabetes drugs in a head-to-head test to see which would have the biggest impact on A1C levels (a measurement of blood sugar levels over time).
You probably already know where this is going, but here are the details.
For this study, folks with type 2 diabetes either followed an intermittent fasting protocol with a meal replacement plan or took one of two prescription drugs: metformin or empagliflozin.
After 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months), the intermittent fasting group was the clear winner.
Not only did this group achieve the most significant reduction in their A1C levels (-1.9 percent), but more people in the fasting group achieved A1C levels of <7 percent.
This is the ultimate goal of diabetes treatment because maintaining this level slashes the risk of long-term complications.
However, the prescription drugs DID “win” in another category… more side effects.
While only seven percent of the intermittent fasting group experienced side effects (like constipation and hypoglycemia), 28 percent of the metformin group and 14 percent of the empagliflozin group experienced adverse effects.
This study utilized the 5:2 intermittent fasting plan. This means that participants ate their regular food for five days (which also included a meal replacement plan) and then fasted for two.
The fasting days limited daily caloric intake to 500 calories for women or 600 calories for men.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease. It’s CAUSED by lifestyle choices… which means it can also be FIXED by them.
I never recommend stopping prescription drugs without consulting your doctor first.
However, if you’re fighting the blood sugar battle I DO suggest you show your doctor this study and discuss if intermittent fasting could be a good option for managing your diabetes.
P.S. The WORST dinner time for your heart!
SOURCE:
Guo L, Xi Y, Jin W, et al. A 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Meal Replacement Diet and Glycemic Control for Adults With Diabetes: The EARLY Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(6):e2416786.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
5 Ways to “Beat the Bloat” This Thanksgiving
As we prepare for Thanksgiving week, there’s a lot to look forward to and be thankful for. Family gatherings, football games, great food, and even better desserts top the list. Then there are all the leftovers. It’s not a holiday that’s known for moderation. But if you’re not careful, overdoing it on Thanksgiving could leave […]
Eat THIS to Reduce Your Risk of 14 Cancers
I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I’ll never turn down a big, juicy steak. But even more than that… I’m a fish guy. There’s not much I like more than a perfectly grilled salmon. I hope you do, too, because salmon contains two potent nutrients tied to a reduced risk of 14 types of cancer. Omega-3s are […]
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk by 30%
More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer yearly. Another 35,000 will get a liver cancer diagnosis. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing one of these skyrockets—a 47 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, and a two to three times higher risk of liver cancer. That’s why I’m excited […]
“Dinner Plate” Danger Raises Prostate Risk
Did you know that prostate cancer is FAR more prevalent in developed parts of the world than in less developed regions? Strange right? What is it about our modern, developed society that’s attacking our male population? There are MANY answers to this question. The primary one I will focus on today is a significant environmental […]
The 5-Minute Solution to Better Blood Pressure
Are you one of the millions who battle the so-called “silent killer” hypertension? And do you have five minutes to spare daily? If so, you could be well on your way to significantly healthier blood pressure. Sound too good to be true? A new study proves it. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy If […]
“Eye-Opening” Benefits of Pistachios
Imagine if there were a daily snack that could protect your vision. Well, a recent study brings good news for the 20 million U.S. adults already battling macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss for those over 60. Adding a handful of pistachios to your diet might help shield your eyesight. Let’s take a “look.” […]
Get Better Blood Sugar This Holiday Season
Let’s face it. The holidays are NOT good for your waistline… or your blood sugar levels. Potlucks, family dinners, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties… you know the drill. So, if you’re one of the 98 million people on the brink of type 2 diabetes, it’s VITAL to take steps to manage your blood sugar levels as […]
Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks. Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer. And just last week I revealed how […]
Ditch Dieting for Better Blood Sugar Control
I’ll just say this right upfront… Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle issue. And while diet is PART of the equation, it’s not the only thing to consider when managing your blood sugar. Over the past few months, I’ve highlighted research showing that factors like your bedtime and activity levels impact diabetes risk. Today, I […]