Introduction
Type-2 Diabetes mellitus is still among the major global health problems due to its complex relationship to genetics and environmental factors. It is well-known that diet and nutrition are vital for prevention as well as management of T2DM. Nowadays, there are several new studies shedding new light on more personalized approaches towards the management of T2DM in addition to optimizing the nutrition of the patients. In this blog we will see what is new and noteworthy regarding diet, sleep, fasting, exercise and T2GM treatment.
The magic of personalized nutrition: Diet-genetics interactions
Recent researches suggest one of the most interesting frontiers, personalized nutrition, by understanding the association of diet and genetics. They recognized that individuals may respond to nutritional interventions in various ways owing to genetics. As a result, it is suggested that it is better to tailor the nutritional recommendations specifically based on the genetic make-up of the individual.
In order to maximize individualized nutrition for a range of groups, this subject still needs more diversified and longitudinal studies, the integration of multi-omic data, and the use of digital health technology, notwithstanding its promise. A customized, genetically guided dietary strategy is intended to reduce the worldwide burden of type 2 diabetes.
Intermittent fasting: A stacking evidence base
The topic of intermittent fasting (IF) in diabetic patients has gained enough attention. New studies are suggesting a clearer insight into the effect of IF on T2DM. Some of them include:
• Weight reduction: Recent studies compared IF 16/8(16 hours fasting and 8 hours of eating window) and IF 14/10 with a control group in overweight individuals in type 2 DM. These protocols are followed by the respective groups 3 days a week for 3 months. Both groups IF 16/8 and 14/10 showed a significant weight loss compared to the control group.
• Metabolism improvement – Besides the weight loss, both groups showed significant improvement of the metabolic processes compared to the control group. Some of these include decrement in fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c and lipid panel indicating its immense role in controlling glucose and lipid levels in the body.
Beneficial dietary patterns by YourFide Dietitian
• Vegan diet: Recent researches show decreased prevalence of type 2 DM with vegan diet. The mechanism is thought to be associated with decreased blood glucose levels and improved glucose hemostasis. Although the benefit is comparable to other dietary habits, long term exclusion can be detrimental to health especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Low carbohydrate diets: Some studies show that an energy restricted low carbohydrate diet in combination with either high fat or high protein foods can bring advanced results compared to an energy-matched conventional diet.
Special food groups and nutrients: Foods that are associated with reduced risk of type 2 DM include whole grains, low-fat dairy products, yogurt, olive oil, fiber, magnesium and flavonoid according to recent findings. On the contrary, recent trials suggested that there are foods associated with significantly increased risk of type 2 DM including high consumption of red and processed meat and sugar sweetened beverages.
The unexpected link: Sleep duration and risk of diabetes
In addition to the personalized nutrition and the intermittent fasting, sleep duration optimization is thought to have an impact on the management of T2DM. A recent cohort study done in UK residents suggests that individual having less sleep time (5 hours of sleep or less) have increased risk of type 2 DM compared to those getting 7/8 hours of sleep. The study also the persistence of the risk in individuals with healthy dietary habits meaning that the risk of T2DM was high in individuals having less sleep even though they are practicing healthy nutritional habits signifying the impact of sleep on the management of T2DM.
Conclusion
As the burden of type 2 DM is yet to be resolved due to the complex interaction of genetics and environment, the management requires embracing new disciplines such as personalized nutrition, intermittent fasting and sleep optimization in addition to the conventional approaches. Recent studies suggest personalized dietary habits tailored to the specific genetic make-up of the individual may bring promising results in the treatment of type 2 DM. Moreover, intermittent fasting protocols like IF 16/8 and IF 14/10 can bring significant benefits in weight loss and metabolic improvements showing their immense potential as practical interventions in the treatment of T2DM.
In addition, there are emerging studies that highlight adoption of specific dietary patterns such as vegan diet, low carbohydrate diets along with nutrient rich diets (whole grains, yogurt, and olive oil) can further decrease the risk and help in the management of type 2 DM. Importantly, sleep optimization emerges as a main, yet often taken for granted, factor influencing diabetes risk in recent studies. Together, these strategies pave the way for more holistic, personalized and effective strategies towards the prevention and treatment of T2DM.
If you have any comments or inquiries, feel free to contact us YourFide Dietitian.