
Time-restricted dieting may be a better way for people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight than counting calories, a new study suggests. Researchers found that people who only ate between noon and 8 p.m. each day lost more weight than those who reduced their calories by 25%. Both groups, however, had similar reductions in long-term blood sugar levels based on a test of hemoglobin A1C. The test shows blood sugar levels over the past three months. “It’s important to give people with type 2 diabetes more than one strategy to lose weight and decrease their HbA1C,” said lead researcher Krista Varady, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois, Chicago. “Some people find it difficult to count calories. Others don’t have weekly or monthly support and they need a dietary pattern that is simple to follow, such as watching the clock,” Varady added. In the United States, about 1 in 10 U.S. residents has diabetes, and that number is rising, the researchers said. It’s crucial to find more ways to control weight and blood sugar levels for these patients. While the study represents a “proof of concept” showing that time-restricted eating is safe for those with type 2 diabetes, Varady said people with diabetes should consult their doctor before starting this sort of diet. Also, “some medications for type 2 diabetes will lower… read on > read on >