Potential Role of Intermittent Fasting and Fasting-Mimicking Diet in Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Prediabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are highly prevalent diseases around the world. They cause numerous complications that result in significant morbidity and mortality. Nutrition plays an important role in reducing CVD risk. This study explores potential effects of fasting, fasting-mimicking diets, and time-restricted eating on reduction of CVD risk factors and provides initial data on their potential benefits in CVD prevention and treatment options. Method: This prospective cohort study involed 31 male adult participants. All of them were provided with VLCD meal replacements (OPTIFAST®), and instructed to practice IF 14 hours a day for 4 weeks. The parameters that were measured before and after the intervention were body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC) levels. Student's T test was utilized to test statistical significance of the results. Results: The average BMI was 38.03 (±SD 4.69) before and 36.19 (±SD 4.26) after the study, but this reduction was not statistically significant. Statistical significance was confirmed in reduction of FBG levels (p=0.0008), with an average value of 7.69 mmol/L (±SD 1.03) before and 7.24 mmol/L (±SD 0.69) after the intervention. TC levels were also significantly reduced (p=0.016), with average values of 277.96 mg/dL (±SD 21.21) before and 272.19 mg/dL (±SD 25.89) after the intervention. Conclusion: IF and FMD might help in prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Their impact mostly lies in their effectiveness in weight reduction. More research is warranted in order to fully explore potential health benefits of these diet plans.