Diet and fasting improve Diabetes in women
(Tehran Ana)- An Indian study found that a plant-based diet and 14-hour fasting improved blood sugar and weight in women with type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Nutrition & Diabetes found that a dairy-inclusive plant-based diet combined with 14-hour time-restricted eating led to significant improvements in metabolic health among women with type 2 diabetes compared with standard care
The findings are particularly relevant given the specific challenges faced by women living with diabetes. Women often shoulder a greater share of family caregiving responsibilities, leaving less time for self-care and dietary planning. Hormonal changes that affect insulin sensitivity, along with higher rates of anxiety and depression, may also contribute to poorer blood glucose control
The dietary intervention was designed to provide 15–20% of daily calories from protein, 20–25% from fat and 50–55% from carbohydrates, most of which came from whole grains and high-fiber foods. The researchers used familiar ingredients from traditional cuisine to promote long-term adherence. Participants also received individualized meal plans, regular follow-up with a dietitian, meal monitoring through photographs and telephone support when needed
The study included 96 women aged 25 to 60 who had been living with type 2 diabetes for at least one year and were taking stable doses of diabetes medication. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group that followed the plant-based diet and time-restricted eating plan, and a control group that received usual care. A total of 90 women completed the 24-week study
After 24 weeks, the intervention group showed clear improvements compared with the control group. Average calorie intake decreased by about 9%, while fiber consumption increased by approximately 16%. HbA1c levels also declined only in the intervention group, with an average between-group difference of -1.12 percentage points
Body weight in the intervention group fell from 76.25 kilograms to 70.93 kilograms, while weight increased in the control group. The intervention group also showed improvements in insulin levels, insulin resistance and lipid profiles, whereas these measures worsened in the control group
The intervention was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Most participants also experienced improvements in energy levels, mental clarity, appetite control and overall well-being
The findings suggest that combining a dairy-inclusive plant-based diet with 14-hour time-restricted eating may be a feasible and metabolically beneficial approach for Indian women with type 2 diabetes, while also supporting reductions in body weight and body mass index
The researchers said the results support further investigation into dietary interventions specifically tailored to women managing metabolic diseases. By combining culturally familiar foods with a flexible fasting schedule, such approaches could offer an accessible and personalized strategy for women facing multiple challenges in diabetes management
