Research Summary

Fasting Mimicking Diet Program Yields Glycemic and Weight Benefits in Type 2 Diabetes

Anthony Calabro, MA

Key Highlights

  • HbA1c < 7% increased from 49% at baseline to 70% at 3 months and 62% at 6 months.
  • Diabetes medications were reduced in 73% of participants at 3 months.
  • Significant weight loss observed: -4.5 kg at 3 months and -6.7 kg at 6 months.
  • Program engagement was high, with a 94% appointment attendance rate and Net Promoter Score of 92.

A medically supervised lifestyle program incorporating the fasting mimicking diet (FMD) demonstrated significant real-world benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Among participants who completed at least 3 months in the program, 70% achieved HbA1c levels below 7%, and nearly three-quarters reduced their diabetes medications. The authors presented their study results at the ADA 85th Scientific Sessions in Chicago, IL.

With lifestyle interventions increasingly recognized for their potential to improve glycemic outcomes and reduce pharmacologic dependency in T2D, this study sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a structured FMD program in a real-world setting. The intervention aimed to replicate the metabolic effects of fasting while providing essential nutrients and was delivered with consistent dietitian and physician oversight.



graph

Participants underwent up to eight monthly cycles of a 5-day FMD (1100 kcal on Day 1; 720 kcal on Days 2-5). The program also included bi-weekly support and behavioral coaching from registered dietitians (RDs) and quarterly medication management visits with physicians. The primary goals were to improve glycemic control and reduce reliance on diabetes medications.

Among 128 enrolled patients, outcomes were analyzed for 74 participants at 3 months and 29 participants at 6 months. The proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c < 7% rose significantly from 49% at baseline to 70% at 3 months (P < .001) and remained improved at 62% at 6 months (P < .05). Mean HbA1c decreased by 0.54% ± 0.84% at 3 months and 0.53% ± 0.73% at 6 months. Correspondingly, diabetes medication use was reduced in 73% of participants at 3 months and 68% at 6 months. Weight loss was also notable, with participants losing an average of 4.5 kg at 3 months and 6.7 kg at 6 months (P < .0001). Engagement metrics were high, with a 94% show rate for appointments and a Net Promoter Score of 92, indicating strong patient satisfaction.

“This innovative FMD-based lifestyle program, supported by RDs and supervised by MDs, effectively improves glycemic control, reduces medication burden, and promotes weight loss with high engagement and satisfaction, offering a promising new model for T2D management,” the authors concluded.

Reference:
Bizzell A, Hall T, Grant NK, Margolin CA, Wei M, Hsu W. Real-World Outcomes of a Fasting Mimicking Diet Program for Type 2 Diabetes Management. Abstract 10-OR. Presented at: ADA 85th Scientific Sessions; June 21–24, 2025; Chicago, IL.